to mimic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to mimic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of imitating or copying someone or something, often in a way that is meant to resemble or replicate the original. Example: "The actor was able to mimic the voice and mannerisms of the famous politician perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For my abilities to mimic.

The Guardian

He particularly likes to mimic the enemy.

The New York Times

Still, Serena struggled to mimic Venus's composure.

The New York Times - Sports

Is that what we're trying to mimic?

The New York Times

They then used virtual reality techniques to mimic weightlessness.

The New York Times

Small wonder Nurse wants to mimic the dead.

The Guardian - Film

Conservatives need to mimic that in their own news organizations".

The Guardian

We may not want to mimic these behaviours.

The Guardian

Quickly, Cross learns to mimic this tough-guy attitude.

The New York Times - Books

Aim to mimic their own style of writing.

The Guardian

We try to mimic the opposition," Carr says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to mimic", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being imitated and the purpose of the imitation. For clarity, specify the source and the method of imitation.

Common error

Avoid overusing "to mimic" in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, substituting it with synonyms like "to replicate", "to simulate", or "to emulate" can enhance the sophistication and precision of your language.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to mimic" functions primarily as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of imitating or copying something, often with the intention of resembling the original, as Ludwig's examples illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to mimic" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express imitation or copying. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is very common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and general writing. While generally acceptable, in more formal settings, consider using synonyms like "replicate" or "simulate" for greater precision. The AI analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to imitate

Replaces "mimic" with a direct synonym, focusing on copying behavior or appearance.

to replicate

Suggests a more precise and exact duplication of something.

to simulate

Implies creating a model or condition that resembles the original.

to emulate

Emphasizes trying to equal or surpass the original, often in a positive way.

to copy

A general term for making a duplicate or reproduction.

to mirror

Suggests a reflection or close correspondence in form or function.

to impersonate

Focuses on imitating someone's identity or mannerisms, often for entertainment.

to ape

Implies a crude or foolish imitation.

to mock

Imitates with the intention of ridicule.

to counterfeit

Copy with the intention to deceive.

FAQs

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

Use "to mimic" when you want to describe the act of imitating something, such as "The machine was designed "to mimic" human movements" or "The bird uses its colors "to mimic" a poisonous species".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to mimic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to imitate", "to replicate", "to simulate", or "to emulate".

Is it appropriate to use "to mimic" in academic writing?

"To mimic" is generally acceptable, but in academic writing, consider more precise synonyms like "to replicate" or "to simulate" when describing experiments or models.

What is the difference between "to mimic" and "to impersonate"?

"To mimic" generally means to imitate or copy, whereas "to impersonate" refers specifically to imitating someone's identity or mannerisms, often for entertainment or deception.