a prototype

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prototype" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial model or version of a product or concept that is used for testing or demonstration purposes. Example: "The team developed a prototype to showcase their innovative design before moving into full production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a prototype.

The New York Times - Science

He showed a prototype.

The New Yorker

A prototype is being tested.

The Economist

A friend built a prototype.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a prototype," Sharpe said.

The New Yorker

They had a prototype.

The New Yorker

"He was a prototype".

The New York Times

For a prototype.

The Washington Post

But it is still a prototype.

The New York Times

Perhaps reading is a prototype of independence.

The New Yorker

In retrospective, it was really a prototype.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technological advancements or innovations, clearly state if you are referring to "a prototype" and its limitations. This manages expectations and accurately portrays the development stage.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a prototype" as a finished or market-ready product. Doing so can mislead stakeholders and customers regarding its functionality, reliability, and overall completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prototype" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies an initial version of something, used for testing and demonstration. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, as evidenced by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a prototype" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an initial version of a product or system used for testing and demonstration. Ludwig AI’s analysis of various sources shows its frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing about prototypes, it's important to accurately represent their stage of development and limitations to avoid misrepresenting them as finished products. Related phrases include “a preliminary model” and “a test version”. Following this guidance will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary model

Emphasizes the model's role as a starting point before further development.

a test version

Highlights the purpose of the prototype as a tool for testing and refinement.

an initial design

Focuses on the design aspect of the prototype, suggesting it's the first iteration.

a working model

Stresses the functional aspect of the prototype, indicating it's capable of demonstrating key features.

a mock-up

Implies a visual representation of the final product, often lacking full functionality.

a proof of concept

Highlights the prototype's role in demonstrating the feasibility of an idea or technology.

an early draft

Suggests a preliminary version that is subject to revisions and improvements.

a sample version

Indicates a representative instance created to exemplify how the design will look and feel.

a pilot project

Describes a trial run to assess the viability of a plan.

a template

Refers to a standardized form used as a starting point for subsequent copies.

FAQs

How is "a prototype" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a prototype" often functions as a noun, describing an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process. For example: "The engineers developed "a prototype" to showcase the new feature."

What are some alternative ways to refer to "a prototype"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a preliminary model", "a test version", or "a proof of concept".

What's the difference between "a prototype" and "a final product"?

"A prototype" is an early version used for testing and refinement, while "a final product" is the completed, market-ready version with all intended features and functionalities.

When should I build "a prototype"?

Building "a prototype" is recommended early in the development process. It helps demonstrate feasibility, gather feedback, and identify potential issues before investing significant resources in full-scale production.