a preliminary trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or research settings to refer to an initial examination or test before a more comprehensive trial or study. Example: "The researchers conducted a preliminary trial to assess the effectiveness of the new drug before moving on to larger clinical trials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

A preliminary trial of citalopram, a selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, was carried out.

Seizure

The first step was a preliminary trial in unreplicated plots, to identify promising varieties.

Crop Protection

Last week, he says, he had to visit the Old Bailey for the first time, for a preliminary trial hearing.

The Guardian

Nantong has already carried out a preliminary trial with the help of Environmental Defence, an American lobby group.

The Economist

A preliminary trial was also designed to adapt in vitro methods for prediction of in vivo energy values for poultry.

Animal Feed Science and Technology

A preliminary trial of hand weaving showed the knittablity of the mechanically tough full IPN hydrogel fibers.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In a small preliminary trial called CADUCEUS, 17 patients who were injected with these clumps developed more muscle and less scar tissue, although their hearts did not pump any better.

BBC

After a successful preliminary trial with 5000 adults and children, researchers extended treatment to everyone in Zanzibar, training health care workers and advertising through community leaders and mass media.

Science Magazine

IFN-γ has been extensively investigated as a novel therapy for IPF following an initial preliminary trial suggesting that lung function improved in patients with IPF treated with IFN-γ (Ziesche et al., 1999).

British Journal of Pharmacology

The result of such a rule would be that before trial on the merits a defendant could always insist on a kind of preliminary trial to determine the competency and adequacy of the evidence before the grand jury.

Cornell University

Waukesha County Circuit judge Michael Bohren spent a month deliberating over the evidence provided during a two-day preliminary trial last month before deciding that the girls should be charged with attempted first-degree murder in adult court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preliminary trial", clearly state the purpose of the trial and how it will inform future actions or studies.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the results of "a preliminary trial". Emphasize its exploratory nature and limitations, rather than presenting it as conclusive evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary trial" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject in a sentence. It identifies an initial test or study conducted before a more comprehensive investigation. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary trial" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an initial investigation before a larger study. According to Ludwig, it is used in both legal and research settings. It is predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to state the trial's purpose and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives such as "a pilot study" or "an initial experiment" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pilot study

Emphasizes the small-scale, experimental nature of the investigation.

an initial experiment

Focuses on the exploratory aspect of the undertaking.

a feasibility study

Highlights the assessment of practicality and potential success.

a test run

Suggests a trial to identify potential issues before full implementation.

a dry run

Similar to "test run", often used in contexts where a real run is not possible yet.

a proof of concept

Focuses on demonstrating the viability of an idea or method.

a formative evaluation

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect, aimed at improvement.

a scouting mission

Implies exploration and gathering of information.

an exploratory study

Highlights the aspect of exploring a topic to gain understanding.

a preparatory assessment

Focuses on the preparation for a larger, more comprehensive study.

FAQs

How can I use "a preliminary trial" in a sentence?

You can use "a preliminary trial" to describe an initial test or study conducted to gather data or assess the feasibility of a larger project. For example, "The company conducted "a preliminary trial" to evaluate the effectiveness of its new marketing strategy."

What is another way to say "a preliminary trial"?

Alternatives to "a preliminary trial" include "a pilot study", "an initial experiment", or "a feasibility study", depending on the context.

What differentiates "a preliminary trial" from a full-scale trial?

"A preliminary trial" is smaller in scope and aims to gather initial data or test feasibility, whereas a full-scale trial is a more comprehensive study designed to confirm hypotheses and draw definitive conclusions.

Is "a preliminary trial" the same as "a pilot study"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a pilot study" often specifically refers to a small-scale study conducted before a larger clinical trial to assess feasibility and refine the study design, while "a preliminary trial" can be used in a broader context.