a modest experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experiment that is not overly ambitious or grand in scale, often implying a simple or preliminary approach. Example: "The researchers conducted a modest experiment to test their hypothesis before moving on to more complex studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was a modest experiment — proximity was all our parents were really asking for, especially for us kids.

The New Yorker

Basically, this was a modest experiment in Palestinian self-government, starting with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho.

The Guardian - Opinion

The state decided on a modest experiment: to give parents a voucher that could be used to send their children to a range of schools, including suburban public schools and local religious schools.Seven years later, the Cleveland public school system remains a disgrace.

The Economist

The Countryside Management System is a relatively successful system conceived 'bottom up' as a modest experiment by site managers to solve their immediate problems of project control but has significant limitations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

California began a modest experiment 27 years ago, privatizing a portion of foster care in the belief that it would better serve children and be less expensive.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When that store closed this spring, many customers assumed that the modest experiment would end, too.

The New York Times

Even modest experiments in geoengineering, according to this logic, are the beginnings of a slippery slope, one that will engender a false sense of security and domesticate an idea that should have always remained outrageous.Yet caving in to this opposition would raise, rather than reduce, the dangers to the planet.

The Economist

Britain has allowed modest experiments, though those have met with public discontent.

The New York Times

Still, they and the Federal Home Loan Bank, he said, "are no longer modest experiments on the fringes of our financial system".

The New York Times

In the real world, even modest experiments in acceleration drive those figures down into the low- to mid-teens.

The New York Times

But Medellín's social urbanism stretches way beyond the more modest experiments with participatory planning and community consultation that are now vogue in cities across the globe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add clarity, follow "a modest experiment" with a specific detail about the goal or methodology of the study, giving context to the experiment.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a modest experiment". It's designed to be small and controlled, so avoid presenting it as a major breakthrough or a comprehensive solution. Ensure claims are in line with experiment design.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest experiment" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "experiment". Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. This phrase typically serves to describe a trial or test that is limited in scope or scale.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest experiment" is a noun phrase used to describe a trial or test that is limited in scope. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly used in news media and scientific contexts to convey the limited nature of a study, setting realistic expectations. While it is not a very frequent phrase, its meaning is clear and its usage is appropriate in various settings. Alternatives include "a small-scale trial" or "a pilot study". Use "a modest experiment" to accurately represent a preliminary exploration, being careful not to overstate its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small-scale trial

Focuses on the size and scope of the trial being limited.

a limited endeavor

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the undertaking.

a pilot study

Highlights the preliminary nature of the experiment.

a tentative investigation

Underscores the experimental and uncertain aspect of the undertaking.

a preliminary exploration

Suggests an early-stage and exploratory approach.

a controlled test

Highlights that the experiment is controlled and for test purposes.

an uncomplicated study

Emphasizes the simple nature of the study.

a contained undertaking

Focuses on limiting the undertaking and avoiding scalability.

a manageable trial

Highlights that the experiment is manageable in size and scope.

a discrete analysis

Emphasizes the focused nature and separation of the analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest experiment" to describe a small-scale trial, such as, "The company initiated "a modest experiment" to test the feasibility of the new technology".

What are some alternatives to "a modest experiment"?

Alternatives include "a small-scale trial", "a limited endeavor", or "a pilot study", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "a modest experiment" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a modest experiment" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts. It clearly conveys the scale and intent of the study without being overly informal.

What does "a modest experiment" imply about the scope of the project?

Using the term "a modest experiment" implies that the project is limited in scope, resources, and ambition. It suggests a preliminary investigation rather than a comprehensive study.