ad hoc experiments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ad hoc experiments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe experiments that are created or conducted for a specific purpose or situation, rather than being part of a larger, systematic study. Example: "The researchers conducted ad hoc experiments to test the effectiveness of the new drug in real-world scenarios."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This could be done by computer simulations or ad hoc experiments simply and efficiently.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In order to identify the model parameters, a series of ad hoc experiments were designed to test the device over various engine operating conditions.

Control Engineering Practice

Certainly, in order to evaluate the fine grain of cortical differentiation with TMS/hd-EEG, one should design ad hoc experiments where stimulation parameters are varied in a systematic way (i.e. by moving/rotating the coil several times by a constant step).

Plosone

Standard food and water were given ad libitum except for ad hoc experiments.

Human Molecular Genetics

The possible occurrence of similar effects in vivo was investigated through ad hoc experiments in living cells.

BMC Systems Biology

Testing of this hypothesis will require ad hoc experiments with pharmacologic blockade or genetic deficiency of Ang-2.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Lyden Gardens affair is best viewed as a worthy ad hoc experiment.

The New York Times - Arts

I immediately put this down to the food, though I note, too, that the carefully selected control group for my ad hoc experiment is also looking a bit under the weather.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

More and more universities are establishing offices to oversee programs and otherwise formalize what has until recently been an ad hoc experiment in civic engagement.

The New York Times

The result is an ad hoc experiment now under way at Kartchner Caverns near this town in southeastern Arizona to learn if it is possible to bring thousands of people into the fragile environment of a pristine cave without destroying the cave in the process.

The New York Times - Science

An ad hoc experiment involving capsules, in fact, was already underway on the east coast of the US at the direction of a surgeon who worried that the heavy use of pre-operative antibiotics was disrupting the normal intestinal flora of his patients.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research, clarify whether the experiments were pre-planned as part of a larger study or were created "ad hoc" to address a specific, emerging question. This distinction helps readers understand the scope and limitations of the experimental design.

Common error

Avoid using "ad hoc experiments" as a euphemism for poorly planned or executed research. The term implies a specific, justifiable reason for deviating from standard experimental protocols, not a lack of foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ad hoc experiments" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific type of experiment, often created for a particular situation or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ad hoc experiments" refers to experiments designed for a specific, immediate need rather than as part of a systematic research plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using the term, it's important to emphasize the reason for deviating from standard protocols, differentiating it from simply poor planning. Alternative phrases, such as ""custom experiments"" or ""specific experiments"", can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The key is to ensure clarity and accuracy when describing the nature and purpose of these experiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

custom experiments

Replaces "ad hoc" with "custom", emphasizing the tailored nature of the experiments.

purpose-built experiments

Highlights the intent behind the experiments, focusing on their construction for a particular purpose.

specific experiments

Uses "specific" to convey the targeted nature of the experiments, differing from general research.

tailored experiments

Similar to "custom experiments", this highlights the adaptation of the experiments to fit a particular need.

one-off experiments

Emphasizes the singular, non-recurring nature of the experiments.

situation-specific experiments

Indicates that the experiments are designed for a particular situation or context.

unconventional experiments

Focuses on the deviation from standard experimental procedures.

improvised experiments

Highlights the spontaneous and possibly unplanned nature of the experiments.

makeshift experiments

Suggests that the experiments are conducted using available resources, possibly in a less-than-ideal setting.

unorthodox experiments

Similar to "unconventional experiments", emphasizes the non-standard approach.

FAQs

What does "ad hoc experiments" mean?

"Ad hoc experiments" refers to experiments designed and conducted for a specific, immediate purpose or situation, rather than as part of a pre-planned, systematic research program. They are often created to address unexpected problems or opportunities.

How can I use "ad hoc experiments" in a sentence?

You can say, "The team conducted "ad hoc experiments" to quickly assess the impact of the software update" or "Due to the unexpected results, we designed "ad hoc experiments" to explore the anomaly further."

What are some alternatives to "ad hoc experiments"?

Depending on the context, you could use "custom experiments", "specific experiments", or "purpose-built experiments" instead of "ad hoc experiments."

Are "ad hoc experiments" less rigorous than planned experiments?

Not necessarily. While "ad hoc experiments" are often conducted with limited resources or time, they should still adhere to sound scientific principles. The key difference is their purpose and origin, not necessarily their quality.