a trial basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trial basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a temporary arrangement or condition under which something is tested or evaluated. Example: "The new software will be implemented on a trial basis for three months to assess its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This isn't a trial basis.

The New York Times

Hunter was accepted on a trial basis.

The New York Times

It has already started nationwide on a trial basis.

The Guardian

Perhaps the new system should be on a trial basis,perhaps three months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new hours are on a trial basis, a spokesman said.

The New York Times - Arts

All beginners are accepted on a trial basis," the brochure specifications say.

The New York Times - Arts

(Several hundred have been installed, on a trial basis, in Conn .& Ill).

The New Yorker

Federer hired the duo on a trial basis at the Italian Open in May, 2004.

The New Yorker

Many are already working on a trial basis, and each will do a little good.

The New York Times

A European Commission spokesman said the reduction would be made on a trial basis.

The New York Times

Early last year, he trained on a trial basis with Roger Federer in Dubai.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing arrangements on "a trial basis", specify what happens after the trial period ends.

Common error

Avoid vague language when setting up something on "a trial basis". Be explicit about how success or failure will be determined. Without measurable goals, it's difficult to assess the trial's outcome effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trial basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the temporary or experimental nature of an action or state. As Ludwig indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trial basis" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something being tested or implemented temporarily. As Ludwig confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: define the trial period, the success criteria, and the subsequent steps. Alternatives such as "for a test period" or "provisionally" can be used, but "a trial basis" offers a clear and straightforward way to indicate a temporary arrangement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a provisional basis

Similar to 'provisionally' but more explicit about the conditional nature.

for a test period

Directly indicates a specific duration for evaluating something.

as a pilot project

Emphasizes the role as an initial experiment before broader implementation.

for evaluation purposes

Focuses specifically on the assessment and judgment aspect.

on approval

Focuses on the agreement to proceed only if satisfied, emphasizing the right to reject.

subject to review

Highlights that the arrangement can be re-evaluated and potentially changed.

provisionally

Implies a temporary measure subject to future confirmation or change.

experimentally

Highlights the exploratory and testing nature of the arrangement.

on probation

Suggests a period of assessment, often used in employment or legal contexts.

temporarily

Simply denotes that something is not permanent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trial basis" to describe a temporary arrangement. For example, "The new policy will be implemented on "a trial basis" for six months."

What's a good alternative to "a trial basis"?

Alternatives include "for a test period", "provisionally", or "experimentally" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "on a provisional basis" than "a trial basis"?

While both phrases convey a temporary arrangement, "on a provisional basis" can be perceived as slightly more formal than ""a trial basis"", making it suitable for more professional or official contexts.

What are the key elements to consider when implementing something on "a trial basis"?

When implementing something on "a trial basis", consider defining the duration of the trial, the criteria for success or failure, and the next steps following the trial period.