constant trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constant trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that is consistently challenging or difficult over time. Example: "Living in a foreign country can be a constant trial, as you navigate cultural differences and language barriers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Then of course, there's the restaurant, which he finds a constant trial.

The Guardian - Music

Living in Europe's sunniest country is a constant trial for a man who only shoots in fog or rain.

The Guardian - Film

For residents of these unintentionally slang-laced places, giving one's address over the phone is a constant trial.

The New York Times

The recipe is an old family secret, the alchemic result of constant trial and error, Mr. Murphy said, coming up with just the right dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The New York Times - Food

The god-awfulness — the pure hell — of life and death in Syria in recent years, and in much of Iraq in the decade-plus since we blew it up, made Obama's resistance to intervention a constant trial.

The New Yorker

To make content work for your business, you'll have to do it a lot, embrace constant trial and error, and always strive to do better.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

How can he put his parents through these constant trials (we ask) if he knows he won't make it outside for long without cash, medicine, warm clothes?

The New York Times - Books

David Denby of The New Yorker asserted that the austere, but captivating installment presented a "glancing, chilled view" of a world where succinct moments of loyalty coexisted with constant trials of betrayal.

Wikipedia

Subsequently, the respondents' behaviour with respect to route 2 seems to be the constant as trials run (they have gathered, say, that route 2 is useless also in the presence of the information system).

European Transport Research Review

This suggested that the averaged activity of a single granule cell across different trials, which is constant across trials, could be approximated by calculating the averaged activity of many PFs at Purkinje cells.

European Journal of Neuroscience

"It's about making sure the perfect aesthetic for the situation has been reached, to do that takes constant tweaking, trial and error..

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constant trial" to describe situations where difficulties are not only present but also consistently recurring, making it a continuous challenge. This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "constant trial" for temporary or short-lived difficulties. Reserve it for situations that are genuinely persistent and ongoing, as overuse can dilute its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constant trial" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a state or condition of persistent difficulty. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal challenges to broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constant trial" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations involving persistent and ongoing difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively communicates the enduring nature of a challenge. Consider alternatives like "ongoing ordeal" or "perpetual challenge" for nuanced expression, but use "constant trial" when emphasizing the continuous and relentless nature of the problem. Avoid using it for temporary setbacks to maintain its impact and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing ordeal

Replaces "trial" with "ordeal", emphasizing a painful or horrific experience continuing over time.

perpetual challenge

Substitutes "constant" with "perpetual" and "trial" with "challenge", highlighting the unending nature of the difficulty.

continuous hardship

Replaces the phrase with an emphasis on enduring difficulty and suffering.

unceasing struggle

Focuses on the relentless effort required to overcome a persistent obstacle.

never-ending difficulty

Highlights the interminable nature of the problem.

relentless adversity

Emphasizes the severity and persistence of the unfavorable conditions.

enduring tribulation

Highlights the long-lasting nature of the suffering or distress.

incessant burden

Focuses on the continuous weight or responsibility that causes difficulty.

chronic source of frustration

Shifts the focus to the persistent irritation and disappointment caused by something.

recurring problem

Focuses on the repetitious nature of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "constant trial" in a sentence?

You can use "constant trial" to describe a situation that presents ongoing and consistent difficulties. For example: "Raising a child with special needs can be a constant trial."

What are some alternatives to "constant trial"?

Alternatives include "ongoing ordeal", "perpetual challenge", or "continuous hardship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "constant trial" in formal writing?

Yes, "constant trial" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure the context aligns with its meaning of persistent and significant difficulty. Consider "perpetual challenge" or "continuous hardship" for similar formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "constant trial" and "temporary setback"?

"Constant trial" refers to a continuous and persistent difficulty, while "temporary setback" indicates a short-term obstacle. They differ in duration and impact, with "constant trial" implying a more enduring and significant challenge.