A model is a small representation of something; a person who poses for an artist or wears clothes to display them; an example considered worthy of imitation. As a verb, to model means to display clothes or to shape a material. As an adjective, model means perfect or ideal, as in a model answer.
What Does Model Mean?
Model reaches English via French modèle from Italian modello, itself from Latin modulus — a small measure — which derives from modus (measure, manner). The same Latin root gives us mode, moderate, modify, and modulate. The word entered English in the late 16th century originally to describe an architectural plan or small copy of a building.
Today model is one of the most versatile words in English. As a noun it covers physical replicas ('a scale model of the solar system'), people in the fashion or art world ('a catwalk model'), and abstract ideals ('Finland is often held up as a model for education'). As a verb it means to shape material with the hands ('model clay'), to wear and display ('she models swimwear'), or to base something on something else ('the policy is modelled on the Dutch system'). As an adjective it signals something exemplary: a model pupil, a model answer.
In academic and professional contexts, model frequently appears in phrases such as business model, theoretical model, and role model. Understanding its various senses — and the collocations attached to each — is essential for reading and writing at B2 level and above.
Example Sentences by Level
| Sentence | Level & Usage note |
|---|---|
| Read a model answer before you attempt the writing task yourself. | A2 — adjective; model meaning perfect/ideal |
| My little brother built a model of a racing car from a kit. | B1 — noun; physical replica |
| She has worked as a fashion model in London and Paris. | B1 — noun; person who displays clothes |
| The new school is designed to model itself on Scandinavian educational principles. | B2 — verb; to base something on |
| Economists use a predictive model to forecast how interest rate changes will affect consumer spending. | C1 — noun; abstract/theoretical model |
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning & example |
|---|---|
| role model | A person whose behaviour is worth copying — She is a fantastic role model for young athletes. |
| business model | The plan for how a company creates and delivers value — Their subscription business model proved very profitable. |
| model answer | An ideal or perfect example answer — The teacher posted a model answer on the board. |
| scale model | A replica built to a specific ratio — The architect presented a scale model of the new library. |
| working model | A replica that actually functions — The museum has a working model of a steam engine. |
| fashion model | A person employed to wear and display clothing — She trained as a fashion model in her twenties. |
| model on / model after | To base something on — The constitution was modelled on that of the United States. |
| serve as a model | To act as an example — The project will serve as a model for future initiatives. |
| theoretical model | An abstract framework used to explain something — Scientists tested the theoretical model against real data. |
| model student / model citizen | A person who behaves perfectly — He was described as a model student who never missed a deadline. |
Usage Notes
Key Points for Learners
- Spelling in British English: When used as a verb, the past tense and present participle double the final l — modelled, modelling. American English uses modeled and modeling (single l). Since LexFizz uses British English, always write modelled.
- Model on vs. model after: Both are correct. Modelled on is more common in British English; modelled after is more common in American English.
- Adjective use: When model is an adjective it always comes before the noun — a model answer, a model village, a model employee. You cannot say "the answer is model".
- Count noun: As a noun, model is countable — always use an article or determiner: a model, the model, several models.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
The policy was modeled on the German system. (American spelling — avoid in British English)
The policy was modelled on the German system.
She is a very model student. (do not use intensifiers like very with model as adjective)
She is a model student.
He served as model for other businesses. (missing article before countable noun)
He served as a model for other businesses.
Etymology
Model entered English in the late 16th century via French modèle and Italian modello, a diminutive of Latin modulus (a small measure). The root modus (measure, manner) also underlies mode, moderate, modify, module, and modulate. The sense of 'a person who poses' appeared in the 19th century; the fashion and catwalk sense developed through the 20th century.