dummy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dummy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to refer to a placeholder or a model that is not functional but serves a purpose in demonstration or testing. Example: "The programmer used a dummy variable in the code to test the function before implementing the final version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back at the beginning of the show, across a floor whose size is accentuated by a geometric pattern of yellow, grey and black shapes that optically flip perspective as you look at them, a ventriloquist's dummy sits on a shelf, dangling his legs in the air.

The Guardian - Arts

The last 25 minutes of the game produced 20 points and it was fitting that Whineray should score the final try of the tour, taking a pass from his centre Paul Little, before ignoring Colin Meads outside him to sell an outrageous dummy to the Barbarians full-back and touching down beneath the posts.

The Guardian - Sport

He set about producing a "dummy" to circulate to potential advertisers.

The Guardian

These man-who-wronged-me anthems are all well and good until your other half wanders off to buy drinks, only to reappear half an hour later with two shots of Aftershock Blue and a light-up baby's dummy.

The Guardian - Music

"I am afraid I did spit the dummy at times and I had public comments to make because the frustration of having this fantastic work – and then doing nothing with it – was great.

The Guardian

Lobbying agencies create phoney blogs for clients and press releases that no journalist will read – all positive content that fools search engines into pushing the dummy content above the negative, driving the output of critics down Google rankings.

The Guardian

Farrell, who like Robshaw had not scored an international try before, was about to break his duck and it was reminiscent of the dummy Matt Dawson sold an unsuspecting South Africa defence on the 1997 Lions tour.

The Guardian - Sport

Passersby reportedly to thought Marsden's body was a shop dummy that was burning in the alleyway.. "The family have been informed of the latest development and specially trained officers continue to offer them support," a Lancashire police spokesman said.

The Guardian

So once ashore, they repeatedly ran and dropped to set dummy explosives while Royal Air Force machine-gunners overhead fired at targets.

The Guardian

This was where Abdel gave us a display of his kickboxing skills: "Fuck tha police!" he declared with glee in English, as his boot crashed hard into a dummy.

The Guardian - Film

Use a dummy?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dummy" in technical contexts, ensure the reader understands that it refers to a non-functional element used for testing or demonstration. Providing context helps avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "dummy" when you mean to describe the act of simplifying something to make it easier to understand. "Dumbing down" implies oversimplification, which is different from using a "dummy" element for testing or illustrative purposes.

Linguistic Context

The word "dummy" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a placeholder, model, or unintelligent person. According to Ludwig, the word is used correctly in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "dummy" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from a placeholder or model to a derogatory term for an unintelligent person. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and acceptable. Its frequency is very common, as it is a widely employed word in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While "dummy" is generally acceptable, be mindful of the specific context and audience to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding. Alternatives like "placeholder", "mock-up", or "model" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

model

Replaces "dummy" in contexts where something represents a simplified or non-functional version.

placeholder

Substitutes "dummy" when referring to something temporarily occupying a spot.

mock-up

Similar to "dummy", but often implies a prototype or preliminary version.

prototype

Similar to "dummy", implying early version before the final iteration.

decoy

Focuses on the aspect of misleading or diverting attention, unlike a standard "dummy".

sham

Implies a deceptive imitation, suggesting a lack of authenticity as in "dummy corporation".

imitation

Denotes a copy of something, often lacking the qualities of the original, similarly to "dummy".

replica

Suggests an exact copy, differing from "dummy" in its intent to replicate faithfully.

substitute

Replaces "dummy" in the sense of something taking the place of another.

simulation

Describes something that imitates the behavior of a system, differing from a simple "dummy".

FAQs

How can I use "dummy" in a sentence?

You can use "dummy" to refer to a placeholder, an unintelligent person, or a non-functional device used for testing. For example, "The programmer used a "dummy variable" to test the function" or "Don't be such a "boob"!".

What's the difference between "dummy" and "model"?

"Dummy" often refers to a non-functional or simplified version used for testing or demonstration, while "model" usually implies a representation or simulation of something more complex. You might use a "dummy" load in electronics testing, or a "prototype" as preliminary version.

What can I say instead of "dummy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "placeholder", "mock-up", "prototype", or "decoy". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "dummy"?

While grammatically correct, calling someone a "dummy" is generally considered offensive and should be avoided in formal or professional settings. It's better to use more respectful language, like "unintelligent" or "foolish", depending on the situation.