practice run

USAGE SUMMARY

"practice run" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a trial or rehearsal before a main event, or as an informal way to refer to a test or experiment. For example: "We'll do a practice run of the presentation before the big meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a practice run".

The New York Times

"This was just the practice run".

The New York Times

Consider changing schools a practice run!

The Guardian

The two will participate in a practice run Friday.

The New York Times

"I'm going to do another practice run and just play".

The New York Times

"Those eight weeks were like a practice run.

Stanford University

We get a practice run around the track, after a final lesson in leaning.

The Guardian - Tech

It was so windy at the track on Sunday that she cut short a practice run.

The New York Times - Sports

Hacktivist Jason Gulledge paused beside me before answering: "Imagine it as a practice run.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a commercial success, though they describe it more as a "practice run".

The Guardian - Film

"This is a practice run," David Hogg, a senior at Stoneman Douglas, said later.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practice run" to clearly indicate a preliminary trial or rehearsal conducted before a real event to identify and correct potential issues.

Common error

Avoid using "practice run" to describe irreversible actions or events with significant consequences. It implies a degree of reversibility or low-stakes testing that may be inappropriate for critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practice run" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI highlights this through numerous examples where it describes a preliminary trial or rehearsal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practice run" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a preliminary trial or rehearsal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, sports and science, indicating a preparatory step before a real event. To enhance clarity, consider using alternatives like "trial run" or "dry run". Remember to avoid using "practice run" in contexts where the action is irreversible or has high stakes, as this might undermine the seriousness of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trial run

This alternative maintains the core meaning of a preliminary test or rehearsal.

dry run

Similar to "trial run", this emphasizes a rehearsal without actual performance conditions.

test run

This option stresses the evaluation aspect of the preliminary attempt.

preliminary exercise

This choice is more formal and highlights the preparatory nature of the activity.

dress rehearsal

This term is specific to performances, indicating a full rehearsal with costumes and staging.

mock execution

This phrase implies a simulated performance done for training.

simulation exercise

This alternative highlights the simulated aspect of the practice.

walk-through

This phrase refers to a guided, step-by-step rehearsal.

pilot study

In a scientific or research context, this refers to a preliminary study to test feasibility.

feasibility study

Similar to pilot study, but focuses on determining if something is viable.

FAQs

How can I use "practice run" in a sentence?

You can use "practice run" to describe a preliminary trial or rehearsal, such as, "We conducted a "practice run" of the new software to identify any bugs before the official launch."

What's a good alternative to "practice run"?

Alternatives to "practice run" include "trial run", "dry run", or "test run", depending on the specific context.

Is "practice run" formal or informal?

"Practice run" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both informal and professional contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "practice run" and "dress rehearsal"?

While both involve preparation, a "dress rehearsal" specifically refers to a full rehearsal of a performance, complete with costumes and staging. A "practice run" is a more general term that can apply to any type of trial or rehearsal.