proof of concept

USAGE SUMMARY

'proof of concept' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a demonstration of the feasibility, or practical potential, of an idea or concept. For example: "We needed to show a proof of concept for the new process before we could commit to developing it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's proof of concept".

The New York Times

"It's a proof of concept".

The New York Times - Science

Proof of concept?

The Guardian - Tech

Accelerated Proof of Concept.

Harvard Business Review

A proof of concept.

Cornell University

Mostly it was proof of concept.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Proof-of concept experimental results are provided.

Optics Communications

It was a proof-of-concept issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Figure 6: Proposed proof-of-concept experiment.

Nature

DermalAbyss is a proof-of-concept study.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet it's an undeniably fascinating proof-of-concept.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing innovative projects, clearly state if a "proof of concept" exists to build confidence in stakeholders.

Common error

Don't assume that achieving a "proof of concept" guarantees full-scale success. It only validates the initial feasibility, further development and testing are still necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proof of concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an activity to show the feasibility of an idea. Ludwig AI confirms this through the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proof of concept" is a widely used term across diverse domains, from science and technology to business and news media, signifying that an idea or method has been demonstrated as feasible. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to underscore the viability of a concept. While alternatives like "feasibility demonstration" or "validation of principle" exist, "proof of concept" remains the most common and recognizable term, crucial for conveying the potential of innovative projects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proof of principle

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizing the demonstration of a fundamental concept.

feasibility study

Focuses on assessing the practicality and potential success of a project or idea.

feasibility demonstration

Focuses on demonstrating the workability and viability of an idea or project.

viability assessment

Highlights the evaluation of the capability of an idea to be sustained or successful.

validation of principle

Emphasizes the act of confirming or substantiating a fundamental idea or theory.

prototype demonstration

Highlights the presentation or exhibition of an initial model or version.

model validation

Focuses on confirming the accuracy and reliability of a specific model.

pilot study

Refers to a preliminary study conducted on a small scale to evaluate feasibility.

experimental verification

Indicates confirmation through experimentation and empirical testing.

practical test

Emphasizes real-world application and testing of an idea or concept.

FAQs

How is "proof of concept" used in project management?

In project management, a "proof of concept" serves as an early-stage project that demonstrates the feasibility and potential value of a new idea or approach before committing significant resources.

What's the difference between a "proof of concept" and a prototype?

A "proof of concept" focuses on demonstrating feasibility, while a prototype is a working model used to test design and functionality. A "prototype" is more developed and detailed.

What are the key elements of a good "proof of concept"?

A successful "proof of concept" should clearly define the problem being solved, demonstrate a viable solution, outline key assumptions, and identify potential risks and limitations.

When is it necessary to develop a "proof of concept"?

Developing a "proof of concept" is crucial when introducing new technologies, innovative ideas, or complex projects to stakeholders, ensuring everyone understands the value and potential before further investment.