a working draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a preliminary version of a document that is still in progress and subject to change. Example: "Please review the attached document; it is just a working draft and not the final version."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A working draft from The Tavistock Group.

Harvard University

A working draft is expected this fall.

The New York Times

"It was a working draft version," the publisher's news release said.

The New York Times

Shared ethical principles for everybody in health care: a working draft from the Tavistock group.

Harvard University

The top-liner is usually a singer, too, and often provides the vocal for the demo, a working draft of the song.

The New Yorker

We also have a working draft of the Citizen Science module and soon you will be able to help us identify and count fossils from each USGS locality!

University of California, Berkeley

A shared statement of ethical principles for those who shape and give health care: a working draft from the Tavistock group.

Harvard University

This is absolutely essential when you have a working draft written, but talking to others is also helpful when conceptualizing and outlining your proposal.

University of California, Berkeley

Day one will conclude with an action-learning exercise to guide students in developing a working draft of their analytics strategy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A1 A working draft of Iraq's new constitution would cede a strong role to Islamic law and could sharply curb women's rights.

The New York Times

June 2000 In what President Clinton calls a day for the ages, Celera and the public consortium say they have a working draft of the genome.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sharing "a working draft", clearly label it as such to manage expectations and encourage constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid distributing "a working draft" too early if it's riddled with errors or lacks essential information. Polish it to a reasonable degree to ensure it conveys the intended message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working draft" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a preliminary version of a document or plan that is still under development. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working draft" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a preliminary version of a document or plan that is still in progress. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples spanning academic, news, and scientific contexts. While similar phrases like "preliminary version" or "initial draft" exist, it's essential to use "a working draft" strategically, particularly when seeking feedback or managing expectations about the document's finality. Be careful not to share it prematurely. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for various formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary version

Emphasizes the early stage and potential for changes.

initial draft

Highlights that it's the first version, implying further development.

early version

Focuses on the stage of development.

rough draft

Indicates that the draft is not yet polished.

first iteration

Suggests a cyclical development process where versions are created iteratively.

trial version

Highlights its use for testing purposes.

test version

Highlights its use for testing purposes.

developmental version

Underlines the active process of development and change.

blueprint

Implies a foundational plan rather than a written document.

prototype

Suggests a model for further refinement.

FAQs

How to use "a working draft" in a sentence?

You can use "a working draft" to refer to a preliminary version of a document. For example, "This is "a working draft" of the proposal, so your feedback is appreciated."

What can I say instead of "a working draft"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary version", "initial draft", or "rough draft depending on the context".

When should I share "a working draft"?

Share "a working draft" when you need feedback on the overall structure and direction of the document, but be sure to clearly indicate that it is not the final version.

What's the difference between "a working draft" and "final version"?

"A working draft" is a preliminary version that is subject to change, while the "final version" is the completed and approved document.