a scientific experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scientific experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a structured procedure carried out to investigate a hypothesis or test a theory in the field of science. Example: "The researchers conducted a scientific experiment to determine the effects of temperature on plant growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a scientific experiment".

The New Yorker

A scientific experiment is being staged.

Independent

Turning yourself into a scientific experiment, perhaps?

The New York Times - Style

"We are not working on a scientific experiment," he continued.

The New York Times

One other question lingers: What makes a scientific experiment beautiful?

The New York Times - Books

Sous vide requires the precision of a scientific experiment, because the bags are vacuum sealed.

The New York Times - Style

"I think that it was only an experiment," he said, meaning a scientific experiment.

The New York Times

It was partly a scientific experiment, to see if we could avoid using toilets.

The Guardian - Music

This is not a scientific experiment gone awry but children who have found their inner insects.

The New York Times

The first is to show the whole process – from design to analysis – of a scientific experiment being performed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm an Australian, sitting a shift at a scientific experiment on the Swiss-French border," says Gaby Bright.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a scientific experiment", be specific about its purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "a scientific experiment" as a catch-all term for any investigation. Ensure it involves a clearly defined hypothesis, controlled variables, and measurable results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scientific experiment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a structured and methodical investigation designed to test a hypothesis or explore a phenomenon, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scientific experiment" is a common noun phrase denoting a structured investigation rooted in the scientific method. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the experiment's purpose and methodology to avoid ambiguity. While primarily formal, the phrase can adapt to neutral settings. Consider alternatives like "a scientific study" or "an empirical investigation" based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scientific study

Replaces 'experiment' with 'study', implying a more observational approach.

a controlled experiment

Adds the element of control, emphasizing the structured nature.

an empirical investigation

Uses more formal language, focusing on observation and experience.

a research trial

Highlights the testing or trialing aspect of the experiment.

an experimental procedure

Shifts the focus to the method or process used in the experiment.

a methodical exploration

Emphasizes the systematic and careful nature of the investigation.

a laboratory test

Specifies the setting where the experiment takes place.

an investigative analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect of the scientific process.

a systematic inquiry

Highlights the organized and structured nature of the investigation.

an experimental undertaking

Implies a project or venture focused on experimentation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a scientific experiment" to describe a procedure designed to test a hypothesis, such as, "The researchers designed "a scientific experiment" to study the effects of caffeine on memory."

What are some alternatives to "a scientific experiment"?

Alternatives include "a scientific study", "an empirical investigation", or "a controlled experiment", depending on the specific context and emphasis.

What distinguishes "a scientific experiment" from a regular experiment?

"A scientific experiment" implies a rigorous methodology, often adhering to the scientific method, with controlled variables and measurable outcomes, unlike a regular experiment, which may be less structured.

Is it appropriate to use "a scientific experiment" in non-scientific contexts?

While generally used in scientific settings, "a scientific experiment" can be used metaphorically in non-scientific contexts to describe a carefully planned and executed test, but ensure the analogy is clear and appropriate.