experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a scientific test or trial conducted to discover or demonstrate something. Example: "The researchers conducted an experiment to test the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've started with a design and experience that is clean and simple and which allows us to experiment in real-time.

The Guardian

Someday, perhaps, we'll be in the mood to experiment again.

The Economist

The commission found for the mass experiment in postal voting in June, though administration will need to improve.

The Guardian

Kansas is also $280m short on due payments for this fiscal year, following an experiment with historic tax cuts now in its fourth year.

The Guardian

A proposed experiment to test a way to deliver particles into the upper atmosphere using a balloon and a one kilometre-long pipe was cancelled in 2012 after it was reported that two of the scientists involved had submitted patent applications that were similar to the techniques being proposed.

The Guardian

It now appears that it began earlier still, as an experiment in both architecture and psychiatry, in the gardens of the hospital at Sant Boi.

The Guardian

The first major title to use the board was the fighting game Tekken, which originated as a test program to experiment with texture-mapped polygonal characters.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was a daring experiment," she quoted him as saying.

The Guardian

Daniel: It's quite surprising really, considering that we've only been doing this experiment a few weeks, but we already have some new habits that are really established now – they're almost an automatic reaction.

The Guardian

I suppose it's because while there are a lot more electric items in the home, I only have a gas fire, gas hob and the central heating boiler and water heater, most of which I've switched off since starting the experiment because of the warm weather.

The Guardian

For our team it was seen as a chance to experiment and try something new.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the word "experiment" to describe innovative or untested approaches in fields beyond science, such as business or art. This highlights the exploratory nature of the endeavor.

Common error

While "experiment" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler words like "try" or "test" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "experiment" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a test or trial. As a verb, it describes the act of conducting such a test or trial. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "experiment" is a versatile term frequently used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its dual function as both a noun and a verb. The word commonly refers to a test or trial conducted to discover or demonstrate something. According to Ludwig, this word appears most often in the "News & Media" and maintains a neutral formality, making it suitable for various contexts. When using "experiment", ensure the context is clear, whether you are referring to the act of conducting a test or the test itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test a hypothesis

Focuses on verifying or disproving a scientific assumption.

conduct a trial

Focuses on the act of performing a test or investigation.

perform a test

Highlights the execution of a specific procedure to gather data.

undertake a study

Emphasizes a more formal and systematic investigation.

carry out an investigation

Stresses the detailed and thorough nature of the examination.

try out a method

Suggests testing a specific approach or technique.

assess the effectiveness

Highlights the evaluation of how well something works.

evaluate the results

Emphasizes the interpretation and analysis of outcomes.

explore the possibilities

Suggests investigating different potential options or outcomes.

venture into uncharted territory

Implies exploring something completely new and unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "experiment" as a noun, such as "The scientists conducted an experiment", or as a verb, such as "They decided to experiment with new methods".

What are some synonyms for "experiment"?

Alternatives include "trial", "test", "study", or "investigation", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "experiment on" or "experiment with"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "Experiment on" is typically used when testing something directly on a subject, while "experiment with" suggests exploring or trying different methods.

What's the difference between an "experiment" and a "study"?

An "experiment" involves manipulating variables under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis, whereas a "study" is a broader investigation that may not involve direct manipulation of variables and may be more observational.