to emulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to emulate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express the idea of imitating or striving to equal or excel someone or something. Example: "She worked hard to emulate her mentor's success." Alternative expressions include "to imitate" and "to mirror."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

hopefuls wants to emulate OpenTable.

The New York Times

"We need to emulate Tunisia.

The New York Times

Not something to emulate.

The New York Times

College students want to emulate these people".

The New York Times

I tried to emulate his swing.

The New York Times

Other countries sought to emulate their success.

The New York Times

Sammy is more likely to emulate Blago.

The New York Times

"I was trying to emulate him.

The New York Times

You want to emulate your heroes.

The New York Times

However, they rarely manage to emulate them.

The Economist

Other towns are meant to emulate them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to emulate", ensure that the subject being emulated possesses admirable qualities or characteristics that are worth replicating. This adds a positive connotation to your writing.

Common error

Be cautious not to suggest a mere superficial imitation when you intend to convey a deeper, more meaningful adoption of principles or values. Using alternatives like "to mirror" may inadvertently imply a surface-level copy, instead of aspiring "to emulate" deeply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to emulate" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used with an auxiliary verb to express purpose or intention. It indicates an active effort to equal or surpass someone or something admired. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to emulate" is a versatile phrase used to express the desire to equal or surpass something admired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. While it is most common in news, science, and business settings, users should be mindful of the connotation it carries based on the subject being emulated. Alternatives such as "to imitate" or "to mirror" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. Understanding these considerations can ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to imitate

This alternative is a direct synonym, suggesting a closer and more precise act of replication.

to mirror

This alternative conveys a reflection or close resemblance, emphasizing duplication rather than striving to equal.

to mimic

This alternative implies a more superficial or playful form of imitation, often focusing on mannerisms or surface-level qualities.

to simulate

This alternative suggests creating a representation or model, often for testing or analysis, rather than direct copying.

to replicate

This alternative is commonly used in scientific contexts, referring to the process of creating an exact copy or reproduction.

to follow

This alternative implies adopting a course of action or adhering to a set of principles or standards.

to model oneself after

This alternative is more reflective and deliberate, suggesting conscious self-improvement efforts.

to take after

This alternative suggests that someone resembles a relative or ancestor in appearance or character.

to pattern after

This alternative indicates a deliberate structuring or design based on a particular model.

to follow in the footsteps of

This alternative refers to aspiring to achieve the same level of success or recognition as someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "to emulate" in a sentence?

You can use "to emulate" to describe an attempt to equal or surpass someone or something, such as "The company sought "to emulate" the success of its competitor".

What are some alternatives to "to emulate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to imitate", "to mirror", or "to replicate" instead of "to emulate".

Is it always positive to say someone is trying "to emulate" another person?

The connotation depends on the context and the subject being emulated. If the subject is admired and respectable, then yes. However, if the subject has negative qualities, then it implies a negative association. For instance: "He is not someone "to emulate"".

What's the difference between "to imitate" and "to emulate"?

"To imitate" generally means to copy someone's actions or behavior, while "to emulate" suggests a deeper attempt to equal or surpass someone through effort and dedication. Although "to imitate" is the closest synonym, there are nuanced differences.