as a prompt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a prompt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as a cue or stimulus for action or thought. Example: "The teacher provided a question as a prompt to encourage discussion among the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I took this as a prompt to describe my symptoms.

The New Yorker

Or do you use it as a prompt for yourself?

Stanford University

And considered purely as a prompt for apocalyptic thought, it's ideal in some respects.

The New Yorker

"And then you had a war," I said, as a prompt.

The New Yorker

They'll use the information in your personal statement as a prompt, so don't get caught out.

The Guardian

Is it having the words as a prompt that has released Benjamin's composing juices?

The Guardian

A list of themes related to spirituality was provided to the students as a prompt.

Nurse Education in Practice

Focusing on taking a few deep breaths can act as a prompt to slow you down.

The Guardian

The ideas are intended as a prompt for further discussion and experimentation on campus.

Stanford University

At first, Stout used Fatima Mayfield simply as a prompt for dreaming up her sculptures.

The New Yorker

Wilde also referred to Perrier-Jouët in the play without so much as a prompt by the champagne maker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a prompt" to introduce a specific element that triggers a response, action, or thought process. This clarifies the role of that element in initiating a subsequent event or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "as a prompt" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like "stimulus" or "catalyst" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a prompt" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates that something is being used to stimulate or encourage an action, discussion, or idea. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a prompt" functions effectively as a prepositional phrase, indicating that something serves as a stimulus or cue for action or thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "stimulus" or "catalyst" for more precise expression. "As a prompt" serves as a valuable tool for writers seeking to highlight the role of a specific element in initiating a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to serve as a cue

Focuses on signaling a specific action or response.

as a stimulus

This term denotes something that incites activity or energy.

as an impetus

This alternative emphasizes the driving force or motivation behind something.

as a trigger

This alternative highlights the initiating event that sets something in motion.

as a catalyst

This suggests something that triggers or speeds up a reaction or process.

as a starting point

This phrase indicates a beginning or foundation for something.

as a foundation

This indicates a basic principle or idea on which something is built.

as a basis

This suggests a foundation or underlying principle.

to inspire

This alternative focuses on the act of motivating or encouraging.

to instigate

This highlights the act of initiating or provoking an action or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a prompt" to show that something is used to encourage another action or thought, for example: "The teacher used the image "as a prompt" for creative writing."

What's a good alternative to "as a prompt"?

Alternatives include "as a stimulus", "as a catalyst", or "as a cue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "serve as a prompt"?

Yes, it is correct. "Serve "as a prompt"" is a common construction indicating that something functions to encourage or initiate an action or thought process.

What is the difference between "as a prompt" and "as a stimulus"?

While both can be used to describe something that initiates a response, "as a prompt" often suggests a more direct and specific cue, whereas ""as a stimulus"" implies a more general or broad encouragement.