act as a useful model

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a useful model" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept, theory, or example that serves as a reference or guide for understanding or analyzing a particular situation. Example: "The previous study can act as a useful model for our current research on consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The presence of diverse populations of cortical neurons and astrocytes in adherent 3D assemblies suggests that hPSC-derived cortical cultures could act as a useful model system for studying human neuronal circuit development in vitro.

Development (Cambridge)

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Drosophila as a useful model system is widely used in many fields of biological studies.

Plosone

The tenure model practised at US universities could, they think, serve as a useful model.

Science Magazine

His brand of moderate, pragmatic socialism has also served as a useful model for Labour modernisers.

The Guardian

But, after September 11th, some C.I.A. officials viewed the program as a useful model….

The New Yorker

"We would hope that this collaboration serves as a useful model for other companies in the digital space".

The Guardian - Tech

But, after September 11th, some C.I.A. officials viewed the program as a useful model.

The New Yorker

He cited the U.S. National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central as a useful model of an open-access database.

Science Magazine

The activities of these groups serve as a useful model for job seekers everywhere.

Science Magazine

The benefit of this axiom is really as a useful model for taking an inner inventory.

Huffington Post

Here we report the establishment of C. elegans as a useful model system for LF82 infection.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a useful model", ensure that the subject you are describing genuinely offers practical guidance or a framework that can be adapted or followed. For example, a successful project can "act as a useful model" for future endeavors within the organization.

Common error

Be cautious about applying the phrase "act as a useful model" too broadly. A model might be effective in certain contexts but not universally applicable. Always consider the limitations and specific conditions under which the model is truly useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a useful model" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, describing a subject by equating it to a helpful pattern or guide. It describes the subject by indicating its role as a practical reference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act as a useful model" serves to describe something that provides valuable guidance or a practical framework. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and finds usage across diverse sources, especially in scientific and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject genuinely offers a pattern that can be adapted or followed. Keep in mind potential limitations, and consider that it may not be universally applicable. For alternative phrasing, consider "serve as a helpful example" or "function as a practical template" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a helpful example

Replaces "model" with "example" to emphasize the act of illustrating or demonstrating something effectively.

function as a practical template

Substitutes "model" with "template" to highlight the role of providing a structured framework or guide.

act as a valuable precedent

Replaces "useful model" with "valuable precedent" to suggest that the phrase serves as an important reference point for future actions or decisions.

work as a dependable standard

Substitutes "model" with "standard" to emphasize the reliability and consistency of the phrase.

provide a constructive pattern

Replaces "act as" and "useful model" to put the focus on supplying a beneficial guideline that can be copied or repeated.

offer a beneficial framework

Replaces "act as" and "useful model" to emphasize the benefit of having a basic structure underlying a system or concept.

be a guiding influence

Replaces "act as a useful model" with "be a guiding influence" to suggest a more subtle way of giving direction or inspiration.

serve as a reference point

Changes "act as a useful model" to "serve as a reference point" to highlight that the concept can be used as a standard for comparison or evaluation.

present a replicable blueprint

Replaces "act as a useful model" to highlight the capability of duplicating something beneficial and practical.

constitute an illustrative case

Replaces "act as a useful model" to indicate the phrase is a clear, representative instance used for clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "act as a useful model" in a sentence?

You can use "act as a useful model" to describe something that provides a helpful example or framework for understanding or replicating a process or concept. For example, "The success of this pilot program can "act as a useful model" for expanding the initiative nationwide."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "act as a useful model"?

Alternatives include "serve as a helpful example", "function as a practical template", or "provide a constructive pattern", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "act as a useful model"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you are discussing something that serves as a reference or guide, such as in scientific research, project management, or policy development. For instance, "The study's methodology can "act as a useful model" for future investigations in this field."

Is "act as a useful model" formal or informal language?

"Act as a useful model" is generally considered neutral to formal language, making it appropriate for academic, professional, and news contexts. However, consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase, as more informal alternatives may be suitable in casual conversation.