negative control

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative control" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
"Negative control" is a term used in scientific experiments to refer to the control group that does not receive any of the treatment or stimulus being tested. For example: "The results from the negative control group show that the treatment had a positive effect on the experimental group."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ng, negative control.

Nature

Δku80 strain, negative control.

Nature

Negative control, DMSO.

Nature

However, some bacterial genes show negative control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IgG as negative control was also used.

Nature

(negative control), desipramine 50 mg b.i.d.

Nature

The experiment also settled negative control.

Nature

a. Negative control, untransfected DR25-EPSCs.

Nature

Asterisks represented significance compared with negative control.

Nature

DMSO treatment is the negative control.

Nature

Empty wells were used as negative control.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define your "negative control" and ensure it accurately reflects the baseline condition without the experimental variable. This provides a valid point of comparison for assessing the treatment's effect.

Common error

Avoid using a "negative control" that isn't truly negative. For example, ensure that the control group receives a placebo or sham treatment that is completely devoid of the active ingredient or stimulus being tested, otherwise the results may be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative control" functions as a noun phrase identifying a control group in an experiment where no effect is expected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in scientific literature, highlighting its role in establishing a baseline for comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative control" is a very common term, especially within scientific contexts, used to describe a baseline condition in experiments where no effect is anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to define a reference point for comparison. Best practices for using this phrase include ensuring that the control accurately represents a no-effect scenario, while common errors involve using controls that are not truly negative. Alternative phrases include "control group without treatment" or "untreated sample". Therefore, a well-defined "negative control" is critical for accurate and reliable experimental results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control group without treatment

This explicitly describes the group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

untreated sample

This refers to a sample that has not been subjected to any experimental manipulation.

vehicle control

This specifies that only the solvent or carrier (vehicle) is administered.

sham control

This term is often used when the control group receives a placebo or simulated treatment.

placebo group

This specifically refers to a control group receiving a placebo, common in medical studies.

baseline measurement

This alternative focuses on the measurement aspect of the control, highlighting the initial standard for comparison.

mock treatment

Highlights the artificial nature of the control condition, mimicking the real treatment.

reference standard

Focuses on the use of a known standard for comparison in quantitative assays.

zero control

This suggests a state of no intervention or effect, representing a starting point.

background level

Emphasizes the inherent level of activity or signal in the absence of treatment.

FAQs

How is a "negative control" used in an experiment?

A "negative control" is a condition where no effect is expected. It's used as a baseline to compare against experimental results. If the experimental results don't differ significantly from the "negative control", it suggests the treatment had no effect.

What are some alternatives to "negative control"?

Alternatives include "control group without treatment", "untreated sample", or "baseline measurement", depending on the context.

Why is a "negative control" important in research?

A "negative control" helps to rule out confounding factors and ensure that any observed effects are truly due to the experimental manipulation, rather than other variables. It's crucial for validating experimental results.

What distinguishes a "negative control" from a positive control?

A "negative control" is designed to produce no effect, while a positive control is designed to produce a known, expected effect. The positive control validates that the experimental system is capable of detecting an effect if one is present.