The shape of Taipei 101 is modeled after the bamboo plant

Question

The shape of Taipei 101 is modeled after the bamboo plant--a symbol of integrity and honor in Chinese philosophy.

The shape of Taipei 101 models after the bamboo plant ...

The shape of Taipei 101 model the bamboo plant ...

Which one of the above three sounds right to you? Thanks.

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

1 and 3, but only 1 is not confusing.

Angliholic · Answer

Marius Hancu1 and 3, but only 1 is not confusing.

Thanks, Marius.

But what does "is modeled after" in the first sentence mean? How can it be the passive voice?

Besides, why is the third sample confusing?

Hoa Thai · Answer

Hi Angliholic,

Here are the reason why #1 is the only correct choice:

When we say "A is modeled after B", we mean A is built / created to have the characteristics of B.

When we model something, we create an object or a system of mathematical equations (i.e. the model) that represents our thoughts / ideas / imagination. It is rather odd to say that a building or its shape creates a model.

Angliholic · Answer

Hoa ThaiHi Angliholic,

Here are the reason why #1 is the only correct choice:

When we say "A is modeled after B", we mean A is built / created to have the characteristics of B.

When we model something, we create an object or a system of mathematical equations (i.e. the model) that represents our thoughts / ideas / imagination. It is rather odd to say that a building or its shape creates a model.

Thanks, HT.

Got it.

By the way, is it all right to omit "plant" in the first sample?

Hoa Thai · Answer

AngliholicBy the way, is it all right to omit "plant" in the first sample?

Yes.

Tanit · Answer

AngliholicBy the way, is it all right to omit "plant" in the first sample?

I guess you meant example ...
(definition of sample)

Hoa Thai · Answer

Hi Tanit,

Good catch! Thanks!

Angliholic · Answer

Hoa ThaiHi Tanit,

Good catch! Thanks!

Hi,

I'm shocked that you think they are not synonyms. The following is a sample (example) of "sample" from my dictionary. Correct me if I am wrong again.

You'd better give a sample of your ability or skill.

Hoa Thai · Answer

Angliholic
Hoa ThaiHi Tanit,

Good catch! Thanks!
Hi,

I'm shocked that you think they are not synonyms. The following is a sample (example) of "sample" from my dictionary. Correct me if I am wrong again.

You'd better give a sample of your ability or skill.

Hi,

A sample is a small part that is examined to find out the whole. An example is a specific fact, idea, person, or thing that is used to explain or support a general idea.

Here are ten shirts, use any one of them as a sample for your inspection.
Here is an example of my favorite shirt, please make another one like it.

In your case, you say, ‘here is an example of the kind of statements that I would like to show you’.

Angliholic · Answer

Hoa Thai
Angliholic
Hoa ThaiHi Tanit,

Good catch! Thanks!
Hi,

I'm shocked that you think they are not synonyms. The following is a sample (example) of "sample" from my dictionary. Correct me if I am wrong again.

You'd better give a sample of your ability or skill.
Hi,

A sample is a small part that is examined to find out the whole. An example is a specific fact, idea, person, or thing that is used to explain or support a general idea.

Here are ten shirts, use any one of them as a sample for your inspection.
Here is an example of my favorite shirt, please make another one like it.

In your case, you say, ‘here is an example of the kind of statements that I would like to show you’.

Thanks, HT.

Got it.

But another related question just came to mind. Is the following all rigtht?

They/People modeled the shape of Taipei 101 after the bamboo plant.

The shape of Taipei 101 is modeled after the bamboo plant

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