is a prototype

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a prototype" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as an initial model or example of a product or concept. Example: "The new smartphone design is a prototype that will undergo further testing before the final version is released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a prototype.

The New York Times - Science

Perhaps reading is a prototype of independence.

The New Yorker

'Everything you do is a prototype.

The Guardian

Leidner cautioned, "This is a prototype".

The New Yorker

"This house is a prototype for what we'll build there".

The New York Times

Miller is a prototype -- the primitive, ancestral form.

The New York Times - Books

This is a prototype and we hope it will lead to more.

The Guardian

Labour will try to suggest Boris's latest local difficulty is a prototype for Cameron's Downing Street.

The Guardian - Opinion

Likewise, Achilles is a prototype Coriolanus, too proud to fight, too enraged to stop.

The Guardian

"This is a prototype," Gleitzman said, passing a 3D-printed tablet to McCarty.

The New Yorker

(The pair pictured here is a prototype, and not yet available for sale).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a prototype" when you want to clearly indicate that something is an early version or model and may undergo further development or refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "is a prototype" to describe a finished, mass-produced product. Prototypes are by definition early models meant for testing and refinement, not the final output.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a prototype" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts. Examples show it describing designs, devices, and concepts in their early stages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a prototype" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something in its initial, developmental stage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it frequently appears in both news and scientific contexts to inform the audience that the subject is an early model subject to further refinement. To prevent misuse, ensure that this phrase is not used for finalized products, but rather for models still under development. Good alternatives include "serves as a model" or "functions as an early model" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Use it to accurately set expectations about the current state of a product or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves as a model

Emphasizes the function of representation for emulation or comparison.

functions as an early model

Highlights the role of being an initial version that may evolve.

is an initial version

Focuses on the state of being the first iteration.

represents a preliminary design

Specifically refers to the field of design and the formative stage.

embodies a trial version

Suggests testing and experimentation.

is a test case

Highlights the use for evaluation and validation.

exemplifies a concept model

Focuses on illustrating a theoretical idea.

is a formative example

Implies influence on later developments.

acts as a proof of concept

Highlights the validation of an idea's feasibility.

is a mock-up

Focuses on visual representation and design.

FAQs

How can I use "is a prototype" in a sentence?

You can use "is a prototype" to describe an early version of a product or concept. For example, "This device "is a prototype" that will be tested extensively before mass production".

What's a good alternative to "is a prototype"?

Alternatives include "serves as a model", "functions as an early model", or "represents a preliminary design" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "is a prototype"?

When something "is a prototype", it means it's an initial version or model designed for testing and refinement. It's not the final product but serves as a basis for future development.

Is it correct to say something "is a prototype" even if it's widely used?

Yes, if the item is still in a development phase or serves as a model for future iterations, saying it ""is a prototype"" is accurate, regardless of its current usage.