Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
pilot research
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "pilot research" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research project. Example: "Before launching the full-scale study, we conducted pilot research to identify potential challenges and refine our methodology."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Over the last two years, Jisc's Managing Research Data (MRD) programme has run a set of 17 projects to pilot research data management services in universities.
News & Media
Five months ago Demos carried out pilot research for Facebook on how community-driven counter speech might play a critical role in shutting out hate speech in Europe by analysing interactions with populist rightwing pages.
News & Media
The pilot research consisted of parallel surveys conducted with 2,749 UK and 2,866 USA SVOD subscribers, who kept a weekly diary of all viewing on Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Huhu Plus in the UK and US, with fieldwork running between December 2013 and March 2014.
News & Media
This trial builds on formative and pilot research findings.
Science
The detailed information can be found in the pilot research of Li et al. (2014).
Science
This pilot research can provide invaluable guidance in developing advanced refueling standard.
I introduced and led a pilot research project, entitled The China Building Practices Survey, which surveyed China's housing market.
Science & Research
The pilot research purpose is to investigate psychological, sexual and relationship dynamics of women with female genital mutilation (FGM).
Science
It was applied in the pilot research area of Sardón catchment (80 km2) located west of Salamanca Spainn).
This exploratory pilot research has limitations but adds to the knowledge of a unique and understudied population of women DTC participants.
Science
According to Halliday ([1973]) the proposal had been based on a pilot research; that, for him, was reason enough for a cautious probabilistic formulation of the hypothesis.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "pilot research" to test the feasibility of your research design and data collection methods before investing significant resources.
Common error
Avoid assuming that results from "pilot research" are definitive. "Pilot research" is intended to inform and improve the design of larger, more comprehensive studies, not to provide conclusive evidence.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "pilot research" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it's used to describe a preliminary investigation or study conducted before a larger project.
Frequent in
Science
68%
News & Media
18%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "pilot research" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe preliminary investigations conducted before larger studies. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, serving to assess feasibility, refine methodologies, and inform future research. While alternatives like "preliminary study" or "feasibility study" exist, "pilot research" specifically emphasizes the exploratory and preparatory nature of the investigation. It's important to remember that results from "pilot research" should not be considered definitive but rather as a guide for subsequent, more comprehensive studies.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
preliminary study
Focuses on the initial nature of the study, emphasizing its role as a precursor to more extensive research.
feasibility study
Highlights the assessment of whether a project or research endeavor is viable and practical.
exploratory investigation
Emphasizes the investigative aspect of the research, particularly when seeking to uncover new insights.
trial research
Indicates a test phase to evaluate the effectiveness or practicality of a method or approach.
initial assessment
Highlights the beginning stage of evaluation to determine the scope and direction of further work.
proof-of-concept study
Focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of a particular idea or method before full-scale implementation.
scoping study
Emphasizes the process of identifying the key issues and parameters before conducting a more detailed study.
formative research
Highlights research conducted to inform the design and development of interventions or programs.
pathfinder study
Suggests pioneering or groundbreaking research that paves the way for future studies.
test phase research
Emphasizes that the research is in a testing stage to identify possible problems before scaling up.
FAQs
What is the purpose of conducting "pilot research"?
The purpose of "pilot research" is to test the feasibility, time, cost, and potential adverse events involved in a research project. It helps researchers identify challenges and refine their methodology before launching a full-scale study.
What are some alternatives to "pilot research"?
You can use alternatives such as "preliminary study", "feasibility study", or "exploratory investigation" depending on the specific context.
How does "pilot research" differ from a full-scale study?
"Pilot research" is a smaller, preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility and refine the methodology of a larger study. A full-scale study is a comprehensive investigation aimed at providing definitive answers to research questions.
When is it appropriate to use the term "pilot research"?
It is appropriate to use the term "pilot research" when referring to a preliminary study conducted to assess the feasibility, time, cost, and potential challenges of a larger research project. It's used to inform and improve the design of subsequent, more comprehensive studies.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested