as a control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that something is being used as a point of comparison or reference. For example: We compared the results of the experiment to the results of the control, which was conducted under the same conditions as a control.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others were given water, as a control.

The New York Times

As a control, Kristen evaluated herself.

The New York Times

The other date served as a control.

Harvard University

UBC6 was used as a control.

Nature

Four animals were used as a control.

Nature

NHDF cells were used as a control.

Nature

HSV-GFP was used as a control.

Nature

AAV5-GFP was used as a control.

Nature

0.1% DMSO was used as a control.

Nature

These "resident" elephants served as a control.

Science Magazine

Actin was analyzed as a control.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a control" in scientific writing, ensure that the control group or variable is clearly defined to provide a solid foundation for comparing results and drawing accurate conclusions.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what the "control" consists of and how it differs from the experimental conditions. Vague references to "as a control" without proper context can undermine the validity of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a control" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the purpose or role of a specific element within an experiment, study, or process. This highlights its function as a standard for comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a control" is a commonly used term, particularly in scientific and research contexts, where it serves to identify a standard for comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its function is to provide a basis for comparison and assessment, ensuring the validity of experimental results. While it is primarily used in formal and scientific writing, it can also appear in news and media when reporting on research findings. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity in the definition of the control and its role within the study or experiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving as a standard

Underscores the function of establishing a consistent and reliable measure.

serving as a benchmark

Focuses on the aspect of providing a standard against which other things can be measured.

utilised as a baseline

Stresses the initial or starting point function for comparisons.

used for comparison

Emphasizes the act of comparing something against a standard.

acting as a reference point

Highlights the role of the control as a fixed reference for assessment.

employed for validation

Highlights the action of confirming or proving the accuracy of something.

considered for reference

Emphasizes the act of referring to something for information or comparison.

designated as a check

Focuses on its role in verifying or ensuring the accuracy of results.

functioning as a model

Highlights the role of being representative and illustrative.

implemented as a trial run

Highlights the use of a preliminary test or experiment.

FAQs

How can I use "as a control" in a sentence?

Use "as a control" to indicate a standard for comparison in an experiment or study. For example, "Sterile water was used "as a control" to ensure the observed effects were due to the experimental variable."

What phrases are similar to "as a control"?

Similar phrases include "serving as a standard", "used for comparison", or "acting as a reference point".

In research, why is it important to have something "as a control"?

Using something "as a control" helps isolate the effects of the experimental variable, ensuring that any observed changes are indeed due to the manipulation and not other factors. This increases the reliability and validity of the study.

Can "as a control" be used in non-scientific contexts?

While most common in scientific and research settings, "as a control" can be used in other contexts to denote something serving as a point of reference or comparison. For example, "The previous year's sales figures served "as a benchmark" when assessing the current performance."