as a laboratory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a laboratory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a setting or context in which experiments, research, or testing occurs, often metaphorically. Example: "The university serves as a laboratory for innovative ideas, allowing students to explore and experiment with their theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Web as a laboratory for studying humanity.

Stanford University

Smith, V (2004) Economics as a laboratory science.

The Guardian

"Think of it as a laboratory," Haji-Ioannou says.

The Guardian - Business

Over the years, the garden served as a laboratory.

The New York Times

"I don't see us as a laboratory," Ms. Jordan said.

The New York Times

So he decided to use his company as a laboratory.

The New York Times

But as a laboratory, Biosphere 2 is very much functioning.

The New York Times

"We do not think Karkemish as a laboratory.

The New York Times - Arts

But Gujarat is regarded as a laboratory for Hindutva.

The Economist

"I always describe Bristol as a laboratory for change.

Independent

The developed construction is designed as a laboratory device.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a laboratory" to describe environments where controlled experiments or innovative activities are conducted to gain insights or test hypotheses. For example, "The city became as a laboratory for urban planning, with various initiatives tested to improve sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using "as a laboratory" when the setting lacks a clear element of experimentation or controlled observation. Describing a chaotic or uncontrolled situation as a laboratory can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a laboratory" functions primarily as a simile, comparing a setting or situation to a laboratory to emphasize its role in experimentation or testing. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a laboratory" is a versatile simile used to describe a setting or situation being utilized for experimentation, testing, or observation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase serves to emphasize the controlled and investigative nature of the subject. It's particularly fitting when discussing innovative projects or systematic inquiries where insights are being actively sought. While adaptable, it's important to ensure the context genuinely involves experimentation to avoid misrepresenting the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an experimental space

Focuses on the exploratory and trial-and-error nature of the setting.

as a testing ground

Highlights the aspect of putting something to the test and evaluating its performance.

as a proving ground

Suggests a place where something is tested to prove its worth or capability.

as a research environment

Emphasizes the systematic investigation and study aspect.

as a development platform

Focuses on the use of the setting to develop and refine new products or strategies.

as a learning environment

Highlights the educational and skill-building aspects of the setting.

as a pilot project

Suggests a small-scale initial endeavor to test the feasibility of a larger project.

as a case study

Emphasizes the setting being examined in detail to draw broader conclusions.

as an arena for experimentation

Highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of trying out new things.

as an innovation hub

Focuses on the setting being a center for generating and fostering new ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "as a laboratory" in a sentence?

You can use "as a laboratory" to describe a place or situation where experiments or tests are conducted. For instance, "The new school was designed "as a laboratory" for innovative teaching methods".

What are some alternatives to "as a laboratory"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as a testing ground", "as an experimental space", or "as a proving ground".

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

Yes, "as a laboratory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing research, experiments, or innovative projects. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

What does it mean when something is described "as a laboratory"?

When something is described "as a laboratory", it means it's being used as a place for experimentation, testing, and observation. This implies a controlled environment where variables can be manipulated to gain insights or validate theories.