in a trial run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a trial run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary test or experiment to evaluate the performance or functionality of something before full implementation. Example: "We are currently conducting a trial run of the new software to identify any potential issues before the official launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

(In a trial run for celebrity, he claimed to hear voices calling his name).

The New Yorker

For overvotes, one coder was used because there was seldom disagreement among examiners in a trial run using three coders.

The New York Times

In a "trial run" two months ago, the ship successfully intercepted a charity rescue ship off Sicily.

The Guardian

In a trial run of Ruckus at American University in Washington, students complained about the dated films.

The New York Times

In a trial run of the system that used advance forms from South Carolina, the dictionaries quickly proved their value.

The New York Times - Tech

In a trial run, Home Plus has plastered a subway station with facsimiles of groceries, labeled with a unique code for each product.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

At the time, Mugabe, in a trial-run for his present frenzied behaviour, ordered the seizure of Sithole's farm, provoking a political explosion.

The Guardian

Patients also have approved recruitment materials relevant to older adults of all backgrounds, participated in a trial-run of the study procedures to ensure that materials are age-appropriate and research personnel are well trained.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The charges were originally filed more than three years ago, in July 2000, raising the unsavory specter of a trial running in close proximity, or even concurrently, with the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

The only reason Vonage has a trial running in Rhode Island is because the state owns and operates their system, says Schulz.

MIT Technology Review

This is called a "step-wedge" design and will be used by another American government organisation, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention CDCC), in a vaccine trial being run in Sierra Leone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a test or experiment, use "in a trial run" to clearly indicate it's a preliminary assessment before a full-scale implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "in a trial run" when referring to ongoing, routine operations. This phrase specifically indicates a temporary test period, not a permanent process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a trial run" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the context of a test or experiment. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes the state or process of something being tested.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a trial run" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a preliminary test or experiment before full implementation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common occurrence across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When writing, it's best to use "in a trial run" to explicitly indicate a temporary testing phase, and to avoid using it for ongoing, routine operations. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "during a test phase" or "in a pilot test" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during a test phase

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the testing period.

in a pilot test

Highlights the exploratory nature of the test.

as a dry run

Suggests a rehearsal or practice session before the actual event.

in an experimental stage

Focuses on the experimental nature of the process.

for testing purposes

Highlights the intention behind the activity.

on a provisional basis

Indicates that something is being done temporarily.

as a preliminary step

Emphasizes that it is an initial part of a larger process.

in a proof of concept

Focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of an idea.

under evaluation

Highlights that something is being assessed.

during initial testing

Similar to "during a test phase" but emphasizes the 'initial' aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a trial run" to describe a preliminary test or experiment, for example: "We are using the new software "in a trial run" before the official launch.".

What are some alternatives to "in a trial run"?

Alternatives include "during a test phase", "in a pilot test", or "as a dry run", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in a trial run" in formal writing?

Yes, "in a trial run" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a testing phase. However, consider alternatives like "during a test phase" if you prefer a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "in a trial run" and "in practice"?

"In a trial run" refers to a specific, limited-time test, while "in practice" describes how something typically works or is done regularly. For example: "The system worked well "in a trial run", but we'll see how it performs in practice.".