as an experiment to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an experiment to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the purpose of an action or initiative that is intended to test a hypothesis or gather data. Example: "We implemented the new software feature as an experiment to assess its impact on user engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So we closed the loop as an experiment to gauge demand for such a product".

The New York Times

"We're using this as an experiment to bridge two historically very disparate disciplines.

Cornell University

"I did it as an experiment to see what they would look like," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"We tried this as an experiment to see if it would work, but I never expected this kind of response".

The New York Times

"Part of me views this album as an experiment – to make a big pop album," she said.

The Guardian - Music

I wasn't: I just started writing my first published novel, From Doon with Death, as an experiment, to see if I could write a detective story.

The Guardian - Books

But take this a step further: i suggest that You try, as an experiment, to capitalize those whom You address while leaving yourselves in the lowercase.

The New York Times

The pencils started out as an experiment to see if he could "trick" people into buying them, but he's developed a sincere appreciation since then.

The Guardian - Tech

The assembly of a citizens' jury was billed as "an experiment to find out if citizens can solve the problems that politicians can't".

The Guardian - Opinion

Their approach is to think of a soccer game as an experiment to determine which of two teams is the best.

MIT Technology Review

Several of the urinals have been placed in public spots in recent months as an experiment to counter the city's problem of urine-soaked pavements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an experiment to", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action is intended as a test or trial, not a permanent solution. This clarifies the temporary and exploratory nature of the activity.

Common error

Avoid using "as an experiment to" when the intention is to implement a long-term solution without any plan for evaluation or change. Using this phrase implies a period of testing and assessment, which should be a genuine part of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an experiment to" functions as an introductory phrase indicating purpose. Ludwig examples show its use to introduce actions undertaken to test a hypothesis, gauge demand, or explore possibilities. The phrase sets the context for understanding the action as a trial or test.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an experiment to" is a versatile phrase used to introduce actions intended as tests or trials. As noted by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted, spanning various contexts, particularly news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase’s function is to clarify the purpose of an action, framing it as an exploratory endeavor. Remember to use this phrase when the intent is truly to test and evaluate, not to implement a permanent solution without assessment. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the experimental nature of initiatives and actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to experiment

Highlights the act of experimenting as the main goal, rather than framing it as a specific action's purpose.

for experimental purposes

Focuses on the experimental nature of the activity itself.

with the aim of experimenting

Emphasizes the intention behind the experimentation.

to test the hypothesis that

Highlights the scientific methodology behind the experiment.

as a trial run for

Implies a preliminary test before a full implementation.

to explore the possibility of

Suggests an exploratory approach, seeking new opportunities.

on a trial basis to

Indicates a temporary arrangement to evaluate effectiveness.

for a provisional assessment of

Implies a temporary evaluation to judge the potential of something.

as a preliminary measure

Highlights the initial and preparatory nature of the action.

in an attempt to assess

Focuses on evaluating or judging the value or quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "as an experiment to" in a sentence?

You can use "as an experiment to" to introduce an action or initiative that is being tested or trialed. For example, "The company introduced a four-day work week "as an experiment to" boost employee morale and productivity."

What are some alternatives to "as an experiment to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "for experimental purposes", "as a trial run", or "in order to experiment".

Is it always necessary to include an evaluation phase after using a strategy "as an experiment to" achieve a goal?

While not strictly necessary, using the phrase "as an experiment to" implies that you intend to evaluate the outcome. It's best practice to follow through with an assessment to determine the success and potential adjustments to the strategy.

What is the nuance between "as an experiment to" and "as an attempt to"?

"As an experiment to" implies a more structured and methodical approach, often involving data collection and analysis. "As an attempt to" suggests a more general effort, without necessarily having a rigorous testing process.