a big experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or large-scale test or trial in various contexts, such as scientific research, social studies, or personal projects. Example: "The researchers conducted a big experiment to test the effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It is a big experiment.

Independent

Canada has a big experiment.

University of California, Berkeley

But it would be a big experiment.

The Guardian

"Irradiating the mail," Mr. Grassley added, "was and is a big experiment".

The New York Times

"It's a big experiment for Harvard, and for me in a certain way," he says.

The New Yorker

This is a big experiment for all of us and it's a lot of fun.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Once in a while we need a bigger experiment, where results are unforeseeable.

The New York Times

And some European researchers would like to build a bigger experiment, perhaps shooting neutrinos 2300 kilometers north to the Pyhäsalmi Mine in central Finland.

Science Magazine

And of course, I was a child of the '60s, so you might say I was part of a reeeaaally big experiment with weed and...well, a lot of other things.

HuffPost

Iceland, of course, also had a very big experiment with fuel cells, of course, and there's still a Shell hydrogen station there.

Forbes

Monkey 2 is definitely high on my list, but the special edition is really a great big experiment to see what interest there is for these types of games and if people are interested in playing them on a console.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big experiment", consider specifying the domain or field to provide context and clarity. For example, "a big social experiment" or "a big scientific experiment".

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "big" to describe the scale. Instead, quantify the experiment's scope by including details such as sample size, duration, or resources involved to give readers a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big experiment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly identifies a significant test or trial. Examples show it describing various endeavors, from social policies to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big experiment" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a significant test or trial. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, with notable usage in academic and scientific contexts as well. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the type of experiment (e.g., social, scientific). Alternatives such as "a major trial" or "a large-scale test" can be used to provide variety. Avoid overusing the term without quantifying its scale, and ensure the context aligns with the experimental nature of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large-scale test

Stresses the size and scope of the testing process.

a major trial

Focuses on the aspect of testing and its significance.

a crucial test

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the trial.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and effort involved in the endeavor.

an ambitious project

Focuses on the scale and difficulty of the undertaking.

an extensive study

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of the investigation.

a pioneering effort

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the work.

a bold venture

Highlights the risk and ambition associated with the endeavor.

an innovative approach

Focuses on the novelty and creativity of the method.

a grand scheme

Highlights the broad scope and vision of the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "a big experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "a big experiment" to describe a large-scale test or trial, such as: "The government's new policy is "a big experiment" to see if it can reduce unemployment."

What are some alternatives to "a big experiment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a major trial", "a large-scale test", or "a significant undertaking".

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a big experiment"?

While generally acceptable, consider whether "experiment" accurately reflects the situation. If the situation lacks the controlled nature of an experiment, a term like "initiative" or "venture" might be more fitting.

What is the difference between "a big experiment" and "a grand experiment"?

"A grand experiment" often implies a more ambitious or visionary undertaking, whereas "a big experiment" simply suggests a large scale. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.