Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
built on trial
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "built on trial" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation of "trial and error," which refers to a method of problem-solving. Example: "The new software was developed through a process built on trial and error, allowing the team to refine its features over time."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Yes, science is built on trial and error, and there is always much error as science progresses.
News & Media
Risking embarrassment and failure are a part of being human, and learning and honing your skills is often built on trial and error, through getting on with the task and doing it.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
The field of Bioscience has a storied history built on early trial and error observations of the natural world and scientific discoveries that have now provided us with a means for taking the planetary pulse of life-support systems and making adjustments to human consumption and population levels, drivers of ecosystem degradation.
The APOE4 trial builds on another trial of an anti-amyloid drug in 300 members of a Colombian family who carry a gene mutation that places them at high risk of developing an early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease.
Science & Research
The success of the Humane Society video was built on decades of trial and error by animal rights advocates who have spent years dragging bulky cameras around to slaughterhouses, sometimes posing as employees.
News & Media
They should put whoever built them on trial.
News & Media
The OED element builds on the Trial Design with an additional "design space" for domain-specific optimization settings.
For example, this includes other researchers (who may wish to build on the trial or modify the intervention in some way) and systematic reviewers (who need details of intervention to assist with assessing and understanding heterogeneity).
Science
This trial built on cumulative experience from the prior decade of indeterminate trials [ 10– 15], which served to refine the target population, intervention strategy, and co-interventions.
Science
PePiTA is a prospective, multicenter, non-randomised trial built on the hypothesis that preoperative chemosensitivity testing using FDG-PET/CT before and after one course of FOLFOX can identify the patients who are unlikely to benefit from 6 months of adjuvant FOLFOX treatment for stage III colon cancer.
Science
The trial built on two decades of work by Professor John Greenwood at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of saying something is "built on trial", use the more common phrase "built on trial and error" or more appropriate alternatives like "based on experimentation" or "founded on evidence" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Avoid using "built on trial" as a standalone phrase. This phrase is not standard English and can confuse your reader. If you intend to convey a process of learning and improvement, use the established idiom "trial and error" or clearer alternatives.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "built on trial" is a prepositional phrase attempting to describe a foundation or basis. However, it's grammatically unsound as highlighted by Ludwig, and it requires clarification to be meaningful. It is often confused with, or is a misinterpretation of, the idiom "trial and error."
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "built on trial" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, it seems to be a misinterpretation of "trial and error". While some sources may use it, opting for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "based on experimentation", "founded on evidence", or "developed through testing" is advisable. These alternatives ensure clarity and professionalism in writing, avoiding potential confusion. It's worth noting that its infrequent use across different contexts suggests that it's not a recognized or accepted idiom.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
based on experimentation
Focuses on the experimental foundation rather than a 'trial'.
developed through testing
Highlights the iterative process of testing and refinement.
founded on evidence
Emphasizes the evidentiary basis for a claim or argument.
predicated on experience
Highlights the importance of previous experience in the foundation.
constructed upon research
Underlines the thorough investigation as a foundation.
dependent on analysis
Illustrates the reliance on analytical results.
grounded in practice
Focuses on practical application and real-world experiences.
originating from investigation
Highlights the investigative process.
stemming from analysis
Underlines the significance of data examination.
growing from experience
Emphasizes how experience can improve a strategy or project.
FAQs
What does "built on trial" mean?
The phrase "built on trial" is not a standard English expression. It seems to be a misinterpretation or shortened version of the phrase "trial and error", which signifies learning and improvement through experimentation and mistakes.
What can I say instead of "built on trial"?
You can use alternatives like "based on experimentation", "developed through testing", or "founded on evidence" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "built on trial" or "built on trial and error"?
"Built on trial and error" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Built on trial" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used.
How to use "built on trial and error" in a sentence?
Here's an example: "The new software was "built on trial and error", allowing the team to refine its features over time."
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested