big experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large-scale or significant experiment in various contexts, such as scientific research or testing new ideas. Example: "The researchers conducted a big experiment to test the effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It is a big experiment.

Independent

That night is the big experiment.

The New York Times - Arts

But it would be a big experiment.

The Guardian

Basically," he said, "this space is just one big experiment".

The New York Times

"This whole thing is just another big experiment on humans for no good reason," he said.

The Guardian

"Irradiating the mail," Mr. Grassley added, "was and is a big experiment".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Big experiments collect such vast quantities of data these days that scientists cannot keep up.

The Economist

Classical music's chamber wing has become a small home for big experiments in cross-genre fertilization.

The New Yorker

There are four big experiments recording data from collisions in the LHC, but the headline presentations will come from two of them, ATLAS and CMS.

The Guardian

"These are all very big experiments that are going to end up paying off in the living room," said K. C. Estenson, general manager of CNN.com.

The New York Times

But boffins at its two big experiments, called CDF and DZero, have enough as-yet-unanalysed collisions to keep them busy for another year or two.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big experiment", ensure the context clearly indicates the scale or significance of the experiment being described. Consider if a more specific descriptor, like "large-scale" or "groundbreaking", might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "big experiment" to describe routine or small-scale tests. Reserve it for situations where the experiment genuinely involves significant resources, scope, or potential impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big experiment" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "experiment". According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it describing various large-scale endeavors, from scientific studies to social initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big experiment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a large-scale or significant test, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable and often employed to highlight the scale or importance of an undertaking. While alternatives like ""large-scale experiment"" or ""major undertaking"" exist, "big experiment" provides a straightforward and accessible way to convey the magnitude of the endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large-scale experiment

Emphasizes the extent or size of the experiment.

major undertaking

Highlights the effort and resources involved.

grand endeavor

Implies ambition and a significant goal.

significant trial

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the experiment.

extensive study

Highlights the thoroughness and scope of the investigation.

substantial research project

Emphasizes the academic nature and resource commitment.

bold initiative

Suggests a daring and innovative approach.

ambitious attempt

Focuses on the aspiration and potential difficulty.

pioneering venture

Highlights the innovative and exploratory aspect.

groundbreaking exploration

Emphasizes the potential to discover new knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "big experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "big experiment" to describe a large-scale or significant test, such as in the sentence: "The company's new marketing campaign is a "big experiment" to see if they can reach a new demographic."

What are some alternatives to saying "big experiment"?

Alternatives to "big experiment" include "large-scale experiment", "major undertaking", or "grand endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "big experiment" or "major experiment"?

Both "big experiment" and "major experiment" are acceptable, but "major experiment" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What makes an experiment qualify as a "big experiment"?

A "big experiment" typically involves substantial resources, a large scope, a significant potential impact, or a combination of these factors. It's not just a routine test; it's a considerable undertaking.