minor experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small-scale or less significant test or trial in various contexts, such as scientific research or project development. Example: "The researchers conducted a minor experiment to test the initial hypothesis before proceeding with larger trials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Moreover, this is a minor experiment in the paper that could be removed without affecting the conclusions.

eLife

I believe this work is appropriate for publication in eLife, but would greatly benefit from the addition of a minor experiment to establish reversibility, or lack thereof. 1) The investigators use bath application for the delivery of CM-MK801 and perfuse over the slice throughout recordings.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then there were Mr Thanh's minor experiments with the Communist Party's bureaucratic process.

The Economist

If you want to do some minor experimenting, you can go to this post on the Buddha Machine Web site, where three different loops can repeat in embedded QuickTime players.

The New Yorker

"What we tend to see in the sciences," says Goel, "is that the time it takes to get a lab set up, fully staffed, and experiments done prevents new faculty from engaging in risky projects, and in the end they only get minor experiments done".

Science Magazine

The combined use of PDGF with either of the matrix-derived peptides had similar effects on the osteocalcin expression but a 2-fold increase in osteocalcin gene expression was observed only in minor experiments.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

However, sample size could be a problem for small experiments with minor changes in gene expression.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Most television pioneers played relatively minor roles, experimenting with how to use or improve the new medium, nudging it along.

The New York Times

Late in her life, she illustrated books by her son Tim, a zoologist, and, after a minor stroke, experimented with creating paper cut-outs.

The Guardian - Arts

Academic critics such as Clive Hamilton of Charles Sturt University in Australia argue that, though the risks to health or the environment may be minor, such experiments pose "political and social risks" that are much more troubling.

The Economist

They may not necessarily be catalogued or written down that way, but every cook is in his own way performing minor scientific experiments or making adjustments as he goes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research, use "minor experiment" to indicate a smaller, less critical study that supports or precedes larger investigations. This helps set appropriate expectations for the scope and impact of the work.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of a "minor experiment". Clearly define its limited scope to prevent misinterpretations of the findings. Don't present it as a major breakthrough.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor experiment" functions as a noun phrase, where 'minor' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'experiment'. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor experiment" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small or less significant test or trial. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it's predominantly found in scientific and news contexts. While not a highly frequent term, understanding its purpose and appropriate usage helps in setting the right expectations for research or investigation scopes. Remember to avoid overstating the importance of what is explicitly defined as a "minor experiment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small-scale study

Emphasizes the limited scope and size of the investigation.

preliminary test

Highlights the exploratory and initial nature of the experiment.

pilot investigation

Suggests a trial run to assess feasibility before a larger study.

limited trial

Focuses on the restricted conditions or sample size of the experiment.

simple experiment

Stresses the uncomplicated design or methodology of the experiment.

exploratory study

Highlights the aim to discover new insights or patterns.

basic investigation

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the research.

initial assessment

Focuses on the beginning stages and evaluation of something.

modest trial

Underscores the moderate size or ambition of the experiment.

subsidiary experiment

Implies that the experiment is secondary or supportive to a main one.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor experiment" to describe a small-scale test or trial, such as, "The researchers conducted a "minor experiment" to test the initial hypothesis." It indicates that the experiment is not the primary focus or is of limited scope.

What are some alternatives to "minor experiment"?

Some alternatives include "small-scale study", "preliminary test", or "pilot investigation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "minor experiment" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor experiment" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts. However, ensure that the level of detail provided about the experiment is proportional to its significance in the overall discussion.

What distinguishes a "minor experiment" from a major one?

A "minor experiment" typically involves a smaller sample size, a narrower focus, or a less complex methodology compared to a major experiment. It often serves as a preliminary step or a supplementary investigation rather than a central study.