prototype for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prototype for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to a model or example of something that will be used later as a basis for further development or improvement. For example, "The team was tasked with creating a prototype for the new software program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a prototype for the rest.

The New Yorker

He called it "Prototype for New Understanding".

The New York Times - Arts

Secreted PLA2 (sPrototypetotype for Interfacial Enzymology.

Stanford University

Samsung recently unveiled a prototype for a 40-inch display.

The New York Times - Tech

It became the prototype for the First Amendment.

The New York Times - Books

More likely, it will be a prototype for other cities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because you can quickly become a prototype for Hollywood".

The Guardian - Film

This is the prototype for a big idea".

The New York Times

These videos were the prototype for "Billy on the Street".

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

"He didn't fit the prototype for a college back.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing early versions or test models, use "prototype for" to clearly indicate that it's a preliminary version intended for development and refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "prototype for" when referring to a final, market-ready product. A prototype is explicitly an early model, not the finished item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prototype for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate the purpose or future development associated with an initial model or design. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prototype for" is a commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that something serves as a preliminary model for future development. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using "prototype for", ensure that you're referring to an early-stage design intended for refinement, not a final product. Alternatives include ""model for"" or ""template for"", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

model for

Replaces "prototype" with "model", emphasizing the function as a representation.

template for

Substitutes "prototype" with "template", highlighting its role as a pattern to be followed.

blueprint for

Uses "blueprint" instead of "prototype", focusing on the detailed design aspect.

design for

Replaces the entire phrase focusing on the intent and planning nature of a prototype

pilot for

Uses "pilot" instead of "prototype", indicating a test run or preliminary project.

example for

Replaces "prototype" indicating it is a pattern or instance to emulate or avoid.

demonstration for

Replaces "prototype" focusing on showing the practicality of something

original for

Focuses on it being the source from which copies or variations are derived.

specimen for

Refers to a specific instance used for study, testing, or examination.

experimental for

Highlights the investigative, trial-and-error nature of the concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "prototype for" to describe an initial model or design that serves as a basis for future development. For example, "This model is the "prototype for" the company's next-generation product".

What are some alternatives to using "prototype for"?

Alternatives include "model for", "template for", or "blueprint for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a prototype of" instead of "prototype for"?

Both "a prototype of" and ""prototype for"" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A prototype of" refers to a specific instance, while ""prototype for"" indicates the purpose or what it leads to.

What's the difference between "prototype for" and "basis for"?

"Prototype for" implies a preliminary version that will be developed further, while "basis for" suggests a foundation or starting point that may not necessarily be physically developed.