a prototype of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a prototype of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a first or early form of something that is used as an example to be copied or imitated. For example: "This new computer is a prototype of what future computers may look like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perhaps reading is a prototype of independence.

The New Yorker

I drove a prototype of his and was blown away".

The New York Times - Travel

A prototype of the poster was on the table.

The New Yorker

A. I am a prototype of the grande école.

The New York Times

In his lab was a prototype of a leg developed by a local prosthetist.

The New York Times - Tech

They fashioned a prototype of Mrs. Zegarra's idea out of clear polyvinyl.

The New York Times

In this it was a prototype of the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

The Guardian - Arts

Connecticut General is considered a prototype of the suburban office complex.

The New York Times

I had a friend build me a prototype of where the Sims would live.

The New York Times - Magazine

I first tried a prototype of Breakroom last year, at Mure's headquarters, east of downtown Reykjavík.

The New Yorker

He held out a prototype of the smallest quadrotor, known as a Nanoquad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prototype of" when you want to emphasize the experimental or developmental nature of something. This is particularly useful in technical or innovative contexts.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a prototype of" something as if it were the completed or mass-produced version. Always clarify that it is a preliminary model to prevent misunderstanding about its capabilities and limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prototype of" functions as a noun phrase complement, often acting as an appositive or adjectival phrase modifying another noun. It describes the nature or stage of development of the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prototype of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an initial or experimental version of something. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both technical and general communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly indicating that the subject is a preliminary model and not the final product. Consider using alternatives like "an early model of" or "a preliminary version of" for slight variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a prototype of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an early model of

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being a preliminary version.

a preliminary version of

Highlights the initial and not-yet-finalized state.

a test model of

Emphasizes the experimental nature and testing phase.

an initial design for

Highlights design as the first step in creation.

a pilot version of

Focuses on a trial run or limited-scale implementation.

a mock-up of

Suggests a physical representation built for demonstration.

a proof of concept for

Emphasizes demonstrating feasibility and viability.

a first draft of

Indicates an early, unrefined stage in development.

a template for

Highlights the role of providing a pattern or guide.

an exemplar of

Shows something representative or worthy of imitation.

FAQs

How can I use "a prototype of" in a sentence?

You can use "a prototype of" to describe an early version of something, such as "This software is "a prototype of" the final product".

What's the difference between "a prototype of" and "a model of"?

"A prototype of" typically refers to an early working version designed for testing, while "a model of" can be a representation that may not be fully functional. For example, "a model of a building" might just be a scaled replica.

What can I say instead of "a prototype of"?

Alternatives include "an early model of", "a preliminary version of", or "a test model of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the prototype of' instead of "a prototype of"?

Using "the prototype of" implies you're referring to a specific, already-mentioned prototype. "A prototype of" is generally used when introducing a prototype for the first time or speaking more generally about prototypes.