as a lab for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a lab for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a setting or environment that serves as a testing ground or experimental space for a particular purpose or activity. Example: "The university established a new facility as a lab for innovative research in renewable energy technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Although not an alumnus, he was passionate about MIT as a lab for creativity in all fields of study.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Page wrote, "Andy, more moonshots please!" Google refers to Google X as a lab for "moonshots," or world-changing ideas.

The New York Times

No wonder Wired recently assessed Kickstarter not as the champion of artistic underdogs but as "a lab for daring prototypes and ingenious products".

The New York Times - Magazine

First class has also served as a lab for in-flight amenities that eventually trickled down to the rest of the plane.

The New York Times

Fresh from adventures with the Radio City Rockettes and a new Disney musical, the show-stopping dancer Larry Keigwin uses his Kabaret as a lab for experimenting with modern dance and pop culture.

The New York Times

But the town takes metaphoric shape as a lab for exploring humanity's dark side: even the road into Deadwood is clogged, and once you get in there seems to be no exit.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"The Portland store will serve as somewhat of a lab for us to first-hand spot hot products, emerging trends and other information highly useful to our retail partners," said Mickey Chandler, the company's national retail manager.

The New York Times

She serves as a Peer Listener through A Place to Talk, a tour guide for admissions, and works as a Lab Assistant for the Division of Cardiology at the medical campus.

Johns Hopkins University

Gier began his career at Berkeley in 1939 as a lab technician for the California Highway Patrol Illumination Laboratory, the agency that tested headlights, taillights, and signaling devices for the State of California Division of Motor Vehicles.

University of California, Berkeley

Julianna worked as a lab technician for Montefiore Hospital.

The New York Times

The groom's mother works in Pasadena, Calif., as a lab technician for the California Institute of Technology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a lab for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being tested or experimented upon. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a lab for" when the context implies simple observation or study without active experimentation. Opt for phrases like "as a case study for" or "as an example of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a lab for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the purpose or role of something as a place for experimentation or testing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a setting serving as a testing ground.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

28%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a lab for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a setting or environment that serves as a testing ground or experimental space. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, media, and academia. While adaptable, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with active experimentation rather than mere observation, differentiating it from phrases like "as a case study for". Related phrases, such as "as a testing ground for" or "as an experimental space for", offer nuanced alternatives. With a neutral to formal register, "as a lab for" is suitable for various writing scenarios where highlighting experimentation and innovation is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a testing ground for

Emphasizes the role of a place or situation for testing new ideas or products.

as an experimental space for

Highlights the use of a location specifically designed for conducting experiments.

as a proving ground for

Suggests an environment where something is tested to prove its worth or effectiveness.

as a development hub for

Focuses on the area being a central point for growth and advancement.

as a center for innovation in

Highlights the place's function as a focal point for creative and novel solutions.

as a pilot project for

Indicates the area is being used for a small-scale preliminary study.

as a prototype environment for

Emphasizes the creation and testing of early-stage models or systems.

as a site for exploration of

Suggests an area where new ideas and possibilities are investigated.

as an arena for experimentation with

Highlights the competitive or challenging aspect of trying out new approaches.

as a research facility for

Focuses on the area being a dedicated location for scientific investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "as a lab for" in a sentence?

Use "as a lab for" to describe a setting where experimentation and testing occur, such as "The city is being used "as a lab for" new urban planning initiatives."

What are some alternatives to "as a lab for"?

You can use alternatives like "as a testing ground for", "as an experimental space for", or "as a proving ground for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as a lab for" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a lab for" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, or technical contexts where experimentation is a key element. Ensure that your usage aligns with the experimental nature of the context.

What is the difference between "as a lab for" and "as a case study for"?

"As a lab for" implies active experimentation and manipulation of variables, while "as a case study for" suggests observation and analysis of an existing situation. Use "as a lab for" when something is actively being tested.