modelled upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modelled upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is based on or inspired by another thing, often in the context of design or creation. Example: "The new building was modelled upon the architectural style of ancient Greece."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Citizens of Belize have created a pattern of society modelled upon that of their colonial overlords.

The New Yorker

They also have an unfortunate tendency to be modelled upon some of the less attractive features of the real thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Cate Blanchett plays a character loosely modelled upon Valland in the 2014 movie "The Monuments Men," based on the book of the same name by Robert Edsel).

The New Yorker

The answer is a raft of solutions largely modelled upon a marketised view of the NHS in which "consumers" are "empowered" and a failure regime is in place to deal with "imperfections".

The Guardian

Kingship was patterned upon divine kingship; worship itself had its heavenly archetype; and the representations of the gods and goddesses were modelled upon the divine beings themselves or upon replicas of them in the heavenly place of worship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This ornament was a figurine modelled upon Montagu's mistress and secretary Eleanor Thornton called The Whisper; her finger was pressed to her lips to symbolise the secrecy of their affair.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Growing up in Nigeria, Mr. Achebe attended schools that were modeled upon British public schools.

The New York Times - Books

As the historian Sarah Igo has pointed out, "Instead of functioning as a tool for democracy, opinion polls were deliberately modeled upon, and compounded, democracy's flaws".

The New Yorker

For many years the highest particle energies were those imparted by cyclotrons modeled upon Lawrence's archetype.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A heroic epic, modeled upon older epics, celebrates the deeds of Nebuchadrezzar I, but unfortunately little of it is extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In La Regenta Alas mercilessly depicted the provincial society of Vetusta, an imaginary town modeled upon Oviedo, Spain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modelled upon", ensure that the connection between the original and the copy or adaptation is clear. Specify what aspects are being modelled.

Common error

Avoid using "modelled upon" when you mean something is an exact replica. "Modelled upon" implies adaptation or influence, not a carbon copy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modelled upon" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating that something is designed, created, or developed in imitation of or with reference to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modelled upon" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe something designed or developed following a particular example or pattern. Ludwig AI supports its correct usage. While substitutes exist—such as "based on" or "inspired by"—"modelled upon" specifically implies a deliberate and conscious effort to emulate or adapt from a pre-existing model. Its frequency is common across diverse contexts, especially within scientific and news publications, as Ludwig's analysis shows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, implying a foundation or starting point.

inspired by

This suggests a more creative or motivational influence, rather than a strict replication.

patterned after

This implies a close adherence to a specific design or structure.

designed after

This highlights the intentional creation following a pre-existing example.

fashioned after

This suggests a careful and deliberate shaping or forming process.

structured around

This indicates that the overall arrangement or organization is influenced by something else.

drawing inspiration from

This phrase emphasizes the act of actively seeking and using influence from a source.

taking cues from

This implies a subtle or indirect influence, where only hints or suggestions are adopted.

emulating

This suggests an attempt to imitate or match the qualities of something else, often with admiration.

simulated

This alternative is suitable when describing the creation of a digital model based on real thing or past experiment

FAQs

How can I use "modelled upon" in a sentence?

Use "modelled upon" to indicate that something has been designed or developed following the example of something else. For instance, "The new curriculum was modelled upon the Finnish education system."

What's a simple substitute for "modelled upon"?

Alternatives include "based on", "inspired by", or "patterned after". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "modelled after" instead of "modelled upon"?

Yes, "modelled after" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. Both phrases suggest that something is designed or created following the example of something else.

What's the difference between "modelled upon" and "influenced by"?

"Modelled upon" suggests a more direct and intentional design based on a specific model, while "influenced by" implies a broader range of impacts and less direct replication. For instance, a building might be "modelled upon" classical architecture, while a painting might be "influenced by" Impressionism.