a one-time experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-time experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experiment that is conducted only once and not repeated. Example: "The researchers decided to conduct a one-time experiment to test the effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it could be a one-time experiment.

Independent

Trump-based story was a bout between wrestlers dressed up as "Trump" and "Rosie," a one-time experiment that flopped with fans.

The New Yorker

We were here all along; now you know where to find us.' " Placing "America Undercover" after "The Sopranos," HBO's most watched series, with an average of 10 million viewers last season, is no coincidence: "This is not a one-time experiment," he said.

The New York Times

Jitkoff said that was more of a one-time experiment.

TechCrunch

That is to say that there is no surprise at all and it seems like this is more a format change than a one-time experiment.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But is it just a fun, one-time experiment, or the seed of a big business?

TechCrunch

To test whether familiarity of topics or integration of content rather than priming was affecting results, a second one-time experiment was conducted with the same participants using priming and self-chosen topics.

Thinking Skills and Creativity

Meanwhile, rehabilitative reading has spread from Waxler's original all-male seminar to similar women-only and mixed-sex groups, to one-time experiments like the seminar on "The Road Not Taken" to which a Vermont judge last year sentenced 28 young partyers who broke into Robert Frost's old house, leaving a trail of booze and vomit.

The New York Times - Books

Getting your product used beyond a one-time novelty experiment is hard and means re-thinking many UX aspects.

TechCrunch

Moreover, don't just think of this as a one-time Generosity Experiment.

Huffington Post

"Tim Clark can't even grip the club the right way," said Robert Garrigus, a one-time Tour winner who experimented in competition with a 50-inch putter that he anchored to his sternum, but abandoned it for a conventional model.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a one-time experiment" to clearly indicate that a study or trial is conducted only once and not intended to be repeated under the same conditions. This specificity is crucial in contexts where repeatability is a concern or when distinguishing it from ongoing research.

Common error

Avoid using "a one-time experiment" when you actually mean a pilot study or a preliminary experiment that is designed to inform future, more extensive research. Ensure that it truly is a singular, non-repeated event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time experiment" functions as a noun phrase, where "one-time" acts as a compound adjective modifying the noun "experiment". As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct. It clearly designates a particular type of experiment: one that is performed only once.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-time experiment" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an experiment conducted only once. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for use. It is most commonly found in news media and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While the phrase may not be extremely frequent, using it effectively communicates the singular nature of an experimental study, differentiating it from ongoing or repeatable research. Consider alternatives like "a single experiment" or "a unique experiment" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single experiment

Emphasizes the singularity of the experiment; simpler wording.

a once-only experiment

Directly states that the experiment happens only one time, similar to 'one-time'.

a one-off experiment

British English alternative conveying the same meaning.

a unique experiment

Highlights the distinctiveness or rarity of the experimental setup.

a solitary experiment

Stresses the isolated nature of the experimental endeavor.

an isolated experiment

Similar to 'solitary', but can imply a lack of connection to broader research.

a standalone experiment

Focuses on the self-contained nature of the experiment, without follow-ups.

a pilot experiment

Suggests the experiment is a preliminary test before a larger study.

a non-recurring experiment

More formal phrasing, emphasizing the lack of repetition.

a limited experiment

Highlights that the experiment has some kind of limitation that prevents its repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-time experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-time experiment" to describe a study or trial that is conducted only once. For example: "The researchers conducted "a one-time experiment" to test the effectiveness of the new teaching method."

What can I say instead of "a one-time experiment"?

Alternatives include "a single experiment", "a unique experiment", or "a pilot experiment", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a one-time experiment" in formal writing?

Yes, "a one-time experiment" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precision is needed. However, depending on the audience, you could consider using a more formal synonym like "a non-recurring experiment".

What distinguishes "a one-time experiment" from a regular experiment?

"A one-time experiment" specifically emphasizes that the experiment is conducted only once and is not intended for replication. A regular experiment implies the possibility, or even expectation, of replication to verify results.