based on trial and

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on trial and" is not complete and therefore not fully usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is determined or established through experimentation or testing, but it needs to be followed by additional context. Example: "The results were based on trial and error, leading to significant improvements in the process."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The usual design approach for this kind of mechanical systems is based on trial and error.

Procedia CIRP

So far, the field of engineering science communication is largely based on trial and error.

Procedia Manufacturing

In most cases they decide on the final design proposal based on trial and error.

Procedia Engineering

DeepMind's team built "reinforcement learning" into the programme, meaning the machine played against itself and adjusted its own neural networks based on trial and error.

The Guardian - Tech

Design of plate-fin heat exchangers is a very complex task generally based on trial and error process.

Applied Energy

Predictions of CPPs, however are often based on trial and error and may not always lead to new potent sequences.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

As a result, previous particle damper designs have been based on trial-and-error experimentation.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In high-pressure processing (HPP), equipment design has largely been based on trial-and-error experimentation.

Journal of Food Engineering

The design and development of rolls and processes are mainly based on trial-and-error and past experiences.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Despite the wide range of industrial applications of structured emulsions, current approaches towards process design and scale-up are commonly based on trial-and-error experimentation.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Despite the wide range of industrial applications of structured emulsions, current approaches toward process design and scale-up are commonly based on trial-and-error experimentation.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on trial and" consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate depending on the level of rigor involved in the process. For example, "empirically derived" might be better in formal scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "based on trial and" in scientific or technical writing when a more specific methodological description is feasible. Instead of stating that a result was "based on trial and", describe the actual process used to obtain the results. Be specific about the method used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on trial and" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates that a process, design, or decision was developed or determined through a series of experiments or attempts, where mistakes are made and corrected to reach a desired outcome. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

19%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on trial and" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating that something was developed or determined through experimentation and iterative improvement. Ludwig's analysis shows that while "based on trial and" is a very common phrase across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academia, it can sometimes be replaced with more precise language depending on the context. While Ludwig flags the phrase as acceptable, writers should be mindful of the level of formality required and consider alternatives like "empirically derived" or "experimentally determined" in more rigorous or formal contexts. Understanding the nuances of "based on trial and" allows for more effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through experimentation

Focuses on the experimental aspect, omitting the error component.

empirically derived

Implies a reliance on observation and experience rather than theory.

determined by testing

Highlights the process of testing as the primary method of determination.

iterative refinement

Emphasizes the process of repeated improvement through cycles.

developed heuristically

Suggests a problem-solving approach using practical methods, not necessarily optimal.

evolved through iteration

Conveys a sense of gradual development through repeated cycles.

learnt from practical experience

Highlights the role of personal experience in acquiring knowledge or abilities.

refined by repeated testing

Implies a process of improvement through multiple tests.

assessed via experimentation

Highlights experimentation as the assessment methodology.

determined through a process of elimination

Focuses on finding a solution by systematically discarding incorrect possibilities

FAQs

How can I rephrase "based on trial and" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "empirically derived", "experimentally determined", or "assessed via experimentation" depending on the specific method used. Each of these offers a more rigorous tone compared to "based on trial and".

Is "based on trial and" appropriate for scientific writing?

While "based on trial and" is understandable, scientific writing often benefits from more precise language. Describing the specific experimental or iterative process used is generally preferred to simply stating something was "empirically derived".

What are some alternatives to "based on trial and" that emphasize learning?

If you want to emphasize the learning aspect, consider alternatives like "learnt from practical experience" or "developed heuristically". These phrases highlight the accumulation of knowledge through experience.

What's the difference between "based on trial and error" and "through experimentation"?

"Based on trial and error" explicitly acknowledges the role of mistakes and iterative learning. "Through experimentation" focuses more broadly on the experimental process, without necessarily highlighting the error aspect.