a controlled experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a controlled experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing scientific research or studies where variables are manipulated to observe effects while keeping other factors constant. Example: "In order to test the hypothesis, we conducted a controlled experiment to measure the impact of light on plant growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Was there a controlled experiment?

The Guardian - Opinion

Every painting was a controlled experiment.

The New York Times - Arts

This is "a controlled experiment," he said.

The New York Times

Ms. Bastianich responded with a controlled experiment.

The New York Times

Mine was in no way a controlled experiment.

The New Yorker

Of course, this is not a controlled experiment; other contributing factors have changed.

The New York Times

Experts point to a controlled experiment, of sorts, on the New York State Thruway.

The New York Times

But a controlled experiment, she added, has yet to be done.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, we have only one planet, so it's impossible to run a controlled experiment.

The New Yorker

"It's almost a controlled experiment on the difference that quality of counsel makes," Professor Zimring said.

The New York Times

You make people eat chillies instead of chocolate during a controlled experiment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research, specify key controls used in your "a controlled experiment" to ensure transparency and credibility. Mentioning the control group and the manipulated variables will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid claiming definitive cause-and-effect relationships solely based on "a controlled experiment". Acknowledge potential confounding variables and limitations in your conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a controlled experiment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's analysis shows it is used to describe a specific type of scientific investigation where variables are deliberately manipulated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a controlled experiment" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a scientific investigation with manipulated variables. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and formal contexts, signifying its importance in research and reporting. To effectively use this phrase, specify key controls and avoid overstating causation. Consider alternative phrases like "a randomized controlled trial" or "an empirical study" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a randomized controlled trial

This alternative specifies the randomization aspect often associated with controlled experiments, especially in medical or social sciences.

a rigorous experimental design

This alternative highlights the strict and precise planning involved in the experiment.

a systematic investigation

This phrase focuses on the methodical and organized approach of the experiment.

a carefully designed study

Emphasizes the meticulous planning and structure of the study.

a scientific trial

Replaces "experiment" with "trial", emphasizing the scientific nature.

an empirical study

Focuses on the data-driven nature and observation-based methodology of the study.

a laboratory experiment

Specifies that the experiment takes place in a laboratory setting.

a comparative study

Highlights the aspect of comparing different groups or conditions within the experiment.

a manipulation check

Focuses on verifying that the manipulation of variables had the intended effect.

a validation test

Emphasizes that the experiment is used to confirm or support a hypothesis or theory.

FAQs

How do you properly use "a controlled experiment" in a sentence?

Use "a controlled experiment" to describe a study where you manipulate one or more variables to determine their effect on another variable, while keeping other factors constant. For example, "We conducted "a controlled experiment" to test the effects of fertilizer on plant growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "a controlled experiment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a randomized controlled trial", "a scientific trial", or "an empirical study".

What's the difference between "a controlled experiment" and "an observational study"?

"A controlled experiment" involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect, while an observational study involves observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention. Observational studies are often used when it's not ethical or feasible to conduct "a controlled experiment".

In what fields is "a controlled experiment" most commonly used?

"A controlled experiment" is frequently used in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and medicine to establish causal relationships between variables and validate hypotheses.