as a working model

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a working model" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a practical example or prototype in a specific context. Example: "The prototype was developed as a working model to test the feasibility of the new design before full-scale production."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mr. Sandel's proposal, he added, "can serve as a working model for the dissemination of many courses".

The New York Times - Arts

Since her time with Tyra, Sewell has been living abroad as a working model — with all the boredom, humiliation, and occasional glamour that entails — and chronicling it on LiveJournal.

The New Yorker

ON YOUR OWN THE SARNOFF CORPORATION has an exhibit hall featuring such technological treasures as a working model of the first RCA color television set (call 609-734-2636 for a guided tour).

The New York Times

A Plan Evolved Over Months Using this blueprint as a working model, the borough council began negotiating the specifics of the plan in closed sessions over the next seven months.

The New York Times

Objet's machines can produce not only solid things out of plastic-type materials, but complex ones with moving parts too, such as a working model of a bicycle chain or a small gearbox.

The Economist

"There was no model for what they created, and whether you like it or not, whether you agree with what happened in the last election or not, what these men created in the 18th century as a working model is an amazing thing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Earlier observations by Barker in the 1970s about the pastoral production system in Karamoja urged for understanding of the pastoral production system 'as a working model' rather than dismissing it in principle as 'a practice' that needs to be replaced (Kratli 2010).

Pastoralism

Peacebuilding as a core working model has already been proven to facilitate transition from conflict in Africa.

The Guardian

Back in the community centre there are people desperate to be seen as a working role model for their children.

BBC

As a working hypothesis, our model is predictive.

Plosone

The award winning playwright moonlights as a lingerie model, working primarily with female driven/DIY creators.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a working model", ensure the context clearly indicates what the model represents and how it functions as a simplified or preliminary version of something more complex. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "working model" as a fully validated or definitive solution. Emphasize its preliminary nature and potential limitations to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a working model" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause. It describes the purpose or function of something, indicating that it serves as a preliminary or simplified version for testing or demonstration, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a working model" serves as a prepositional phrase that explains a purpose or function, indicating that something acts as a preliminary or simplified version. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in scientific, technical, and professional contexts, especially in Science and News & Media. Ludwig confirms that the phrase conveys the idea of a practical, though not necessarily complete, representation for testing or demonstration. When employing the phrase, ensure clarity in its context and avoid overstating the model's completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a practical example

Replaces "working model" with a more straightforward and less technical term.

as a functional prototype

Emphasizes the prototype aspect of the model, highlighting its functionality.

as a basis for

Focuses on the foundational role the model plays in further development or understanding.

as a starting point

Highlights the model's role as an initial step in a process or project.

as a proof of concept

Emphasizes that the model demonstrates a principle or idea's feasibility.

for illustrative purposes

Indicates the model is being used to clarify or explain a concept.

as a test case

Highlights the model's use in evaluating or validating a hypothesis or system.

as an initial framework

Focuses on the model's role as a basic structure for further elaboration.

as a guide

Highlights the model's role in providing direction or instruction.

as a template

Focuses on the model's role as a pattern for creating something similar.

FAQs

How can I use "as a working model" in a sentence?

You can use "as a working model" to describe something that serves as a practical example or initial version. For instance: "The prototype was developed "as a working model" to test the design's feasibility before full-scale production."

What's a good alternative to "as a working model"?

Alternatives include "as a practical example", "as a functional prototype", or "as a basis for" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "as a working model" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, or academic contexts where the concept of a preliminary model is common. The phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood in these fields.

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

It means that the thing being described is a simplified, functional representation of a more complex system or idea. It's used for testing, demonstration, or initial exploration before a full-scale implementation. The phrase "as a practical example" can be used as a substitute.