a handful of experiments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of experiments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of experiments conducted in a particular context or study. Example: "In our research, we conducted a handful of experiments to test the hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here in the United States, a handful of experiments tinkering with the genome of insects has recently received protocol clearance by the government.

The New York Times - Magazine

This paper uses D-optimal design to identify a handful of experiments, for which the velocity is obtained by Particle Imaging Velocimetry measurement.

Aerospace Science and Technology

He says: "There are a handful of experiments located at different underground laboratories around the world that want to be the first ones to stand up and say 'we have discovered it', and so it is very competitive".

BBC

VR has been successfully used in combination with fMRI in a handful of experiments to address questions regarding spatial navigation and episodic memory [15], [16], and a few behavioral studies have used VR to examine PM [17].

Plosone

In contrast, only a handful of experiments have been reported for livestock species.

BMC Genomics

The running times required to perform the alignments and the refinements frequently increased, sometimes by as much as 100%, whereas a handful of experiments ran faster by at most 25%.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In a handful of pilot experiments, this has proved to be an emotionally significant challenge for teenagers with social anxiety.

The New York Times - Magazine

A handful of similar experiments using MDMA, LSD or marijuana are now in the works in Switzerland, Israel and Britain, as well as in this country.

The New York Times - Health

Last year, Google released a fun app that let curious kids perform a handful of science experiments by monitoring light, sound and motion using a smartphone.

TechCrunch

You can check out the proposal and a handful of AR/VR experiments that use it on GitHub.

TechCrunch

Over the last decade, a handful of small experiments has indicated that a minuscule amount of pollen from engineered crops can spread up to a few hundred meters.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a handful of experiments" to indicate that the number of experiments is small and easily countable. It adds a slightly informal and descriptive tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of experiments" when referring to a large or significant number of experiments. This phrase implies a small, easily managed quantity, so using it in the wrong context could mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of experiments" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "experiments". It specifies the quantity of experiments being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handful of experiments" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a small number of scientific tests or trials. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts including science and news media, though more formal language might be preferred in certain settings. When using this phrase, ensure the quantity of experiments is indeed small to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a few experiments" or "several experiments" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few experiments

Replaces "handful" with "few", indicating a small number, but slightly less emphasis on scarcity.

several experiments

Replaces "handful" with "several", suggesting a slightly larger, but still limited, quantity.

a small number of experiments

Replaces "handful" with a more formal phrase indicating a limited quantity.

a limited number of experiments

Similar to "a small number of experiments", but emphasizes the constraint on the quantity.

a restricted set of experiments

Emphasizes that the experiments are part of a defined, limited group.

a selection of experiments

Highlights the aspect of choosing or selecting specific experiments from a larger pool.

a couple of experiments

Implies an even smaller number than "a handful", specifically two.

a sparse collection of experiments

Emphasizes the idea that experiments are limited and spread out, potentially lacking in cohesion.

a smattering of experiments

Indicates a small, scattered, and potentially random selection of experiments.

a sprinkling of experiments

Similar to "a smattering", suggesting experiments are lightly distributed or not very numerous.

FAQs

How can I use "a handful of experiments" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of experiments" to describe a small number of tests or trials conducted, such as: "We conducted "a handful of experiments" to determine the efficacy of the new drug".

What are some alternatives to saying "a handful of experiments"?

Alternatives include "a few experiments", "several experiments", or "a small number of experiments", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a handful of experiments" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a handful of experiments" leans towards a more informal tone. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms such as "a limited number of experiments" or specify the exact number.

What does "a handful of experiments" imply about the scope of research?

"A handful of experiments" suggests the research is relatively preliminary or small-scale. It implies the investigation involved a limited quantity of trials, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.