on a trial basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'on a trial basis' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is happening or will happen for a limited period of time, as a test to see if it works well before committing to it for a longer time period. Example Sentence: We are offering the new project plan to our team on a trial basis to see if it works for us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

* Some instructors allow students to attend one class on a trial basis.

The New York Times - Sports

The plan would operate on a trial basis for one year after the Crenshaw Line opened.

Los Angeles Times

Hunter was accepted on a trial basis.

The New York Times

It has already started nationwide on a trial basis.

The Guardian

Perhaps the new system should be on a trial basis,perhaps three months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new hours are on a trial basis, a spokesman said.

The New York Times - Arts

All beginners are accepted on a trial basis," the brochure specifications say.

The New York Times - Arts

(Several hundred have been installed, on a trial basis, in Conn .& Ill).

The New Yorker

Federer hired the duo on a trial basis at the Italian Open in May, 2004.

The New Yorker

Many are already working on a trial basis, and each will do a little good.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The measurements were performed on a trial-basis, using the 90-second epochs.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a trial basis", clearly define the duration and criteria for evaluating the trial's success. This sets expectations and allows for a structured assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "on a trial basis" without establishing specific metrics for success. Without clear guidelines, assessing the trial's effectiveness becomes subjective and may lead to inconclusive results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a trial basis" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a trial basis" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is being tested or implemented temporarily. Ludwig provides numerous examples from authoritative sources, confirming its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's important to define clear evaluation metrics when using "on a trial basis" to ensure a structured assessment. Alternatives such as "on an experimental basis" or "for a limited time only" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an experimental basis

Emphasizes the experimental nature of the trial, focusing on testing and observation.

on a provisional basis

Indicates that the arrangement is temporary and subject to change, emphasizing the conditional nature.

for a trial period

Specifies a defined duration for the trial, emphasizing the time frame.

for a limited time only

Highlights the temporary aspect of the arrangement, suggesting a specific duration.

as a pilot project

Implies a small-scale, initial implementation to assess feasibility, focusing on project scope.

as a test run

Suggests a preliminary execution to evaluate performance, focusing on the evaluation process.

on a probationary period

Suggests a test period to assess suitability, often in employment contexts.

as a temporary measure

Emphasizes the non-permanent nature of the action, focusing on its short-term implementation.

as an initial step

Highlights that this is the beginning of a longer process, focusing on sequencing.

to evaluate its potential

Focuses on the assessment of capabilities and possibilities during the trial.

FAQs

How can I use "on a trial basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a trial basis" to indicate that something is being tested or implemented temporarily. For example, "The company is offering the new software "on a trial basis" to gather user feedback before a full launch."

What are some alternatives to saying "on a trial basis"?

Alternatives include "on an experimental basis", "for a limited time only", or "as a test run", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on a trial basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a trial basis" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in professional and academic contexts. However, consider "on an experimental basis" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "on a trial basis" and "on a probationary period"?

"On a trial basis" generally refers to testing something new or different, while "on a probationary period" usually refers to a period of evaluation for an employee's performance or suitability. The latter is specifically related to employment.