a positive trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as clinical research or experiments where the results indicate a successful outcome or effect. Example: "The researchers were pleased to report that the drug showed a positive trial, indicating its effectiveness in treating the condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was a positive trial!' " One person slammed the table, stood up, and hollered.

The New Yorker

However, a positive trial does not guarantee long term success.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, it is clear that a positive trial does not guarantee longer-term success.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In the study by Silberstein et al., despite all subjects having a positive trial period, the study still failed to reach its primary endpoint [34].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The two largest, multicenter, prospective trials of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain after spine surgery required a positive trial as key inclusion criteria for patients enrollment [36, 37].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In addition, these analyses may also be done, even in the case of a positive trial to find subsets of patients where the therapy is especially effective or ineffective.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A discus thrower, Allison Randall, confirmed she had returned a positive test at the trials and in May the Jamaican world 200m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown tested positive for a banned diuretic.

The Guardian - Sport

Aside from power considerations, it is important to note that a sample of this size will yield a significantly positive trial when the observed difference between groups is as small as 5.4% (21.6% relative risk reduction).

BMC Women's Health

In a Go (positive) trial the pigeons had to respond two or more times by pecking on the pecking key, and were subsequently rewarded with 3 s food access, accompanied by an illumination of the feeder.

Plosone

Undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial (following a positive exploratory trial) as part of a structured development process has important benefits [ 9]; however, upon trial completion the relevance and quality of information content for clinical and patient/relative benefit could have diminished.

BMC Health Services Research

However, a very high positive trial rate, like that seen in our series (100 %) as well as in the Arcioni et al study [16], could obviate the need for a stimulation trial, given the additional risks and inconvenience to patients and costs to the health care system [7].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clinical trials, clarify what constitutes "a positive trial" by specifying the key metrics or endpoints that were achieved.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a positive trial" automatically translates to widespread adoption or guarantees long-term success. Further research and validation may still be necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive trial" functions as a noun phrase where "positive" acts as an adjective modifying "trial". It describes a trial that yields favorable or successful results. Ludwig provides examples in varied contexts, indicating its descriptive purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a positive trial" signifies a favorable or successful outcome in a test or experiment, most commonly in scientific and medical contexts. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in these areas. While it implies success, it's crucial to remember that it doesn't guarantee long-term success or immediate widespread adoption. Consider specifying what makes the trial "positive" and avoid overstating the significance of the result. The related phrases like "a successful experiment" or "a favorable outcome" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a successful experiment

Replaces "trial" with a more general term, "experiment", while maintaining the positive connotation.

a favorable outcome

Shifts focus from the process (trial) to the result (outcome), emphasizing the beneficial nature.

a promising result

Highlights the potential for future success suggested by the current trial.

a conclusive trial

Emphasizes the definitiveness and clarity of the trial's positive results.

a validated success

Focuses on the confirmation of success through the trial process.

an encouraging study

Replaces "trial" with "study", conveying a sense of hope and optimism.

an affirmative result

Uses a more formal term, "affirmative", to indicate agreement with a hypothesis or expectation.

a beneficial experiment

Highlights the usefulness and advantages derived from the experimental process.

a helpful analysis

Substitutes "trial" with "analysis", stressing the informative and supportive nature of the positive findings.

an effective test

Emphasizes that the "test" worked well and produced desired positive results.

FAQs

How is "a positive trial" typically defined in scientific research?

In scientific research, "a positive trial" generally refers to a study or experiment that yields statistically significant results supporting the hypothesis being tested. This often means the intervention or treatment being studied demonstrates a clear and measurable benefit.

What are some alternatives to saying "a positive trial"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a successful experiment", "a favorable outcome", or "a promising result" as alternatives to "a positive trial".

What does it mean when a clinical trial is described as "positive"?

When a clinical trial is described as "positive", it indicates that the treatment or intervention being tested has shown a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement compared to a control group or placebo. However, it's important to consider the specific endpoints and limitations of the trial.

Is "a positive trial" always enough to change medical practice?

Not always. While "a positive trial" is an important step, changes in medical practice usually require replication of the findings in multiple trials, consideration of potential risks and benefits, and endorsement by relevant professional guidelines and regulatory bodies.