a working prototype

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working prototype" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a model or version of a product that is functional and used for testing or demonstration purposes. Example: "The team presented a working prototype of the new device at the conference, showcasing its innovative features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Have you created a working prototype yet?

The New York Times

A working prototype was built in 2008.

The Economist

In four months, they had a working prototype.

The New Yorker

A team of graduate students has built a working prototype with six legs.

The New York Times - Science

So far it is only a concept, but a working prototype is in the works.

The Economist

The digital public library's steering committee hopes to have a working prototype in 18 months.

The New York Times - Tech

"You're going to need a working prototype before you have much of a chance," Heal said.

The New Yorker

A working prototype has been available for more than 10 years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

By early 1972 a working prototype existed but Xerox did not bring it to market until 1977.

Encyclopedia Britannica

18 hours later we had a working prototype.

TechCrunch

The next step, researchers say, is to develop a working prototype something they are already getting the bounce on.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the development phase of a product, use "a working prototype" to clearly indicate that the prototype is not just a visual representation but a functional version ready for testing and refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "a working prototype" to describe purely conceptual models or non-functional mockups. The term specifically denotes a prototype that demonstrates core functionalities, not just the aesthetic design.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working prototype" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of prototype that is functional, meaning it can perform its intended tasks. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working prototype" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a functional version of a product or system under development. According to Ludwig AI, its function is descriptive, serving to communicate progress and functionality. It is most frequently used in news, media, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the prototype is indeed functional and avoid redundancy by not adding unnecessary qualifiers like "model". Alternatives such as "functional prototype" or "operational model" can be used to add nuance. Understanding these guidelines will ensure accurate and effective use of "a working prototype" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional prototype

Emphasizes the functionality of the prototype.

operational model

Highlights the operational aspect of the model, indicating it's capable of performing its intended functions.

testable prototype

Focuses on the prototype's readiness for testing and evaluation.

preliminary model

Indicates the model is in its initial stages but functional.

proof-of-concept model

Stresses that the model demonstrates the feasibility of a concept.

experimental prototype

Highlights the prototype's use in experimental settings for further development.

initial version

Simple, direct way of referring to the first working iteration.

early-stage model

Emphasizes that the model is in the beginning phases of development.

viable prototype

Focuses on the prototype's potential for success and further development.

functioning model

Highlights that model is currently able to function.

FAQs

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

You can use "a working prototype" to describe a functional version of a product or system, as in "The team demonstrated "a working prototype" of their new software at the conference".

What are some alternatives to saying "a working prototype"?

Alternatives include "functional prototype", "operational model", or "testable prototype", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "working model prototype"?

Yes, saying "working model prototype" is redundant. A prototype, by definition, is a preliminary model, and if it's working, it's already implied to be a functional model. Just use ""a working prototype"" or "a functional prototype".

What's the difference between "a prototype" and "a working prototype"?

While "a prototype" can refer to any preliminary version (including non-functional ones), ""a working prototype"" specifically indicates that the prototype is functional and can perform its intended tasks to some extent. It emphasizes operability.