past experiments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past experiments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to experiments that have been conducted in the past, often in a scientific or research context. Example: "The results of the past experiments indicate a significant improvement in the treatment's effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Past experiments were limited to animals.

The New York Times

Past experiments with iron fertilization have had mixed results.

Columbia University

Past experiments in long-term isolation have shown how intergroup conflicts can endanger a mission.

The New York Times - Science

So the failure of those past experiments says nothing about the new ones.

The Guardian - Business

Compared with his past experiments with robots, these "biomorphs," as Tilden calls them, are a breakthrough.

The New York Times

We know from past experiments that basic income has significant merits.

The Guardian

Flor will include tools for analyzing past experiments and answering questions about experiment results or behavior.

University of California, Berkeley

But because so much energy was released so fast, it provided considerably more power than in past experiments.

The New York Times

He distrusts all attempts at social engineering, even those designed to undo past experiments in planning.

The Economist

Many of Carson's past experiments with form were funky and intuitive; they found their own shape.

The New York Times - Books

These numerical results also agreed with results of the past experiments.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the timeframe or conditions of the "past experiments" to provide clarity and avoid confusion. This helps readers understand the context in which the experiments were conducted.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the results of "past experiments" are universally applicable without considering their specific context, limitations, and potential biases. Always acknowledge the potential for variability and the need for further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past experiments" functions as a noun phrase, where "past" acts as an adjective modifying "experiments". Ludwig AI indicates this is a common and correct construction. The primary grammatical function is to denote specific instances of experimentation that occurred at some prior time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past experiments" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to experiments conducted at some prior time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid overgeneralization and to properly cite your sources. Alternatives such as "previous experiments" or "earlier studies" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, with a higher concentration in scientific and academic contexts. By understanding these nuances, you can use "past experiments" effectively in your writing and research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous experiments

Focuses on the order in which the experiments occurred, indicating those that came before the current one.

earlier experiments

Similar to 'previous experiments', but may imply a greater distance in time.

prior experiments

Emphasizes that the experiments happened before the current context or discussion.

historical experiments

Highlights the experiments as being part of history, often implying they are outdated or foundational.

past studies

A more general term, referring to any kind of study or investigation conducted in the past.

prior research

Broader than 'experiments', encompassing all forms of research done previously.

legacy experiments

Suggests that the experiments have left a lasting impact or are considered important for their historical value.

preceding experiments

Indicates experiments that directly came before the current experiment in a sequence.

old experiments

A simple and direct way of referring to experiments conducted in the past, without additional nuance.

outdated experiments

Implies that the experiments are no longer relevant or accurate due to advancements in the field.

FAQs

How can I use "past experiments" in a research paper?

When writing a research paper, you can refer to "past experiments" to provide background information, support your hypothesis, or compare your findings with previous research. For example: "Our results align with those observed in "previous studies"." Be sure to cite your sources properly.

What are some alternatives to saying "past experiments"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "previous experiments", "earlier studies", or "historical research" to convey the same meaning. The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

How do I differentiate between "past experiments" and current research?

When discussing "past experiments", clearly distinguish them from your current work by using phrases such as "in contrast to", "unlike", or "building upon". This will help your audience understand the progression of research and the novelty of your contributions.

Are there any risks of relying too heavily on "past experiments"?

Yes, over-reliance on "past experiments" can lead to confirmation bias or a failure to consider new evidence. Critically evaluate the methodology and limitations of prior research, and be open to revising your views in light of new findings. A meta-analysis can help you achieve a broad and well informed conclusion.