at the trials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the trials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to events or competitions where participants are being tested or evaluated, such as sports trials or auditions. Example: "She performed exceptionally well at the trials and secured a spot on the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quick's methods have been productive at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

Stringfellow placed fifth at the trials in Sacramento.

The New York Times - Sports

Already, he has scored big here at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm incredibly excited," she said at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

Dragila set the only world record at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

Jemma Simpson, second at the trials, also misses out.

The Guardian - Sport

He learned that lesson painfully at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

She is the second-youngest woman competing at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

"We did not do this at the trials, though".

The New York Times

I was not expecting to do the time that I did at the trials.

The Guardian - Sport

His results so far do not predict great success at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the trials" to specify a particular moment or event within a larger selection or evaluation process.

Common error

Avoid using "at the trials" when referring to the entire process of becoming a professional; it's more accurate for specific qualifying events. Instead, consider phrases like "throughout his career" or "during the selection process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the trials" functions as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb or clause by indicating where an action occurs. Ludwig shows many examples in the context of sporting events or legal proceedings, specifying the location of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the trials" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase, primarily functioning as an adverbial of place. Ludwig's analysis, shows its prevalence in News & Media, where it serves to specify the location of events, particularly in sports and legal contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure the context clarifies the type of trials being referenced. Common alternatives include "during the tryouts" and "in the qualifying rounds", each offering nuanced variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the tryouts

Replaces "trials" with "tryouts", emphasizing the preliminary nature of the assessment.

in the qualifying rounds

Focuses on the competitive aspect of the trials as a method of qualification.

at the selection events

Highlights the purpose of the trials as selection events for a team or competition.

in the preliminary competitions

Similar to 'qualifying rounds', but broader, encompassing various forms of preliminary assessment.

during the assessments

A more general term, applicable to contexts beyond sports, where skills or abilities are being assessed.

at the evaluations

Focuses on the formal evaluation process that occurs during trials.

throughout the selection process

Emphasizes the entire process rather than a specific event.

during the qualifying heats

Specifically used in racing contexts, like swimming or track.

in the run-up to the games

Shifts focus to the period leading to a major event.

while competing for a spot

Highlights the competitive aspect and the ultimate goal of securing a position.

FAQs

How can I use "at the trials" in a sentence?

You can use "at the trials" to describe someone's performance or experience during a selection process, such as "She performed exceptionally "at the trials" and secured a spot on the team."

What is a good alternative to saying "at the trials"?

Alternatives include "during the tryouts", "in the qualifying rounds", or "at the selection events", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "at the trials" or "during the trials"?

Both "at the trials" and "during the trials" are grammatically correct. "At the trials" emphasizes a specific moment or location, while "during the trials" refers to the entire period.

What does "at the trials" imply in the context of sports?

In a sports context, "at the trials" typically refers to a series of competitive events designed to select athletes for a team or a major competition, such as the Olympics.