cautious experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautious experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an experiment that is conducted with care and consideration to avoid risks or negative outcomes. Example: "The researchers decided to conduct a cautious experiment to ensure the safety of all participants involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In Chongqing, officials at the dipiao trading centre are nervous that any adverse publicity even about their cautious experiment might fuel a backlash.

The Economist

Chongqing has become a celebrated, but by no means unique, example.At village level, a cautious experiment with democracy in the 1990s led to frequent local power-grabs by gangsters or by party officials in collusion with them.

The Economist

It was yet another twist in the helter-skelter development of China's capital markets, which the government established as a cautious experiment more than 10 years ago and which have since fattened into one of the biggest share-trading systems in Asia.

The New York Times

Thus, it is not surprising that the Soviet Union's efforts to find a more flexible amalgam of planning and market were anticipated by several decades of cautious experiment in some of the socialist countries of eastern Europe, especially Yugoslavia and Hungary, and by bold departures from central planning in China after 1979.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So do the very cautious experiments of Augustus in setting army pay and army size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr Hu's cautious experiments with reform inside the party appear to have fizzled.

The Economist

Instead, he chooses to concentrate on the genesis of the nuclear bomb, from the first cautious experiments, predominantly by émigré scientists, to the aftermath of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Guardian - Books

If urban areas start to reform it will be much faster," he says.Since 1999, the central government has approved cautious experiments with direct elections in a few urban areas, albeit only at the level of the neighbourhood committee.

The Economist

Chongqing and Shanghai have recently begun very cautious experiments with such a tax, aimed in part at reducing local governments' dependence on money raised by taking land from peasants.

The Economist

Though the nanoscale materials have stimulative effects on cell growth and induced differentiation, the biocompatibility and toxicity still need cautious experiments before in vivo attempt [ 83].

BioMed Research International

Be very cautious experimenting with any functionality other than disabling autorun.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing initiatives or policies, use "cautious experiment" to convey a sense of measured risk and careful evaluation of outcomes.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "cautious experiment" as a guaranteed success. Frame it as a learning process with potential for both positive and negative results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious experiment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "cautious" modifies the noun "experiment". This describes a specific type of experiment characterized by care and prudence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cautious experiment" is a grammatically correct and infrequently used noun phrase employed to describe initiatives undertaken with measured risk and careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is best suited for neutral to formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While it effectively conveys prudence, writers should avoid overstating the certainty of success and frame it as a learning process. Alternatives such as "prudent trial" or "careful investigation" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent trial

Replaces "experiment" with "trial" and "cautious" with "prudent", suggesting careful consideration of consequences.

careful investigation

Substitutes "experiment" for "investigation", focusing on thoroughness and attention to detail.

guarded test

Emphasizes a more reserved or protective approach to the testing process.

circumspect study

Highlights the importance of being wary and attentive to all circumstances in the study.

deliberate venture

Focuses on the calculated and thoughtful nature of the undertaking.

measured exploration

Suggests a slow and carefully planned approach to exploring new possibilities.

vigilant assessment

Highlights the need for constant watchfulness during the assessment process.

restrained attempt

Emphasizes the limitations and controls placed on the attempt to minimize risks.

conservative approach

Implies avoiding risks and sticking to established methods rather than radical changes.

discreet probing

Focuses on subtlety and secrecy in the exploratory process.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The government is undertaking a "cautious experiment" with tax reform to assess its impact on the economy".

What are some alternatives to "cautious experiment"?

Consider using phrases such as "prudent trial", "careful investigation", or "guarded test" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cautious experiment" formal or informal?

"Cautious experiment" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedias.

What does it mean to describe something as a "cautious experiment"?

It implies that an action or initiative is being undertaken with a measured approach, acknowledging potential risks and prioritizing careful evaluation of results. It is not a full blown "experiment" but a trial to test waters before bigger moves.