quite an experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite an experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience or undertaking that is significant or noteworthy, often implying that it is unusual or has the potential for interesting results. Example: "The scientists conducted quite an experiment to test the effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's quite an experiment".

The New York Times

Quite an Experiment "Letter From America" began in 1946 as a 13-week experiment.

The New York Times - Arts

With the summer heat still ahead of us, this promises to be quite an experiment".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yes, based on my Question Time appearance with Nick Griffin, was and is quite simply an experiment, an attempt, a deliberate provocation to the idea of what opera is.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's quite an interesting experiment in audience goodwill.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the general wish to keep writing, to go at it, to find the new poem, the new subject immediately is quite an interesting experiment.

The Guardian - Books

"That'll be quite an interesting experiment in terms of much larger satellites where the weight of all the cables is not insignificant.

BBC

"In what was quite a clever experiment in social development, dad sussed that if he put us together.

The Guardian

Skip Lievsay, the sound editor who has worked with the Coen brothers since their first feature, "Blood Simple" (1984), called "No Country" "quite a remarkable experiment" from a sonic standpoint.

The New York Times

And I was really bored that day, so I said, look, I'll write it.' 'Yeah,' says Will, 'there was a hole in the plot - an A to B thing.'ItIt was quite a funny experiment,' Maggie goes on, 'I thought, I can write in the style of Will, I know him really well.' 'I think you mainly did it to take the piss out of me.' 'I didn't!

The Guardian - Books

In an interview in Rolling Stone, in May 1972, Burroughs called the video "quite a precise experiment," noting that the film projection "re-photographed on the video camera... faded in and out... so that you got a real-time section".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite an experiment" to describe situations where the outcome is uncertain and the process involves significant innovation or risk. For example, "Launching a new product line in this economy is quite an experiment."

Common error

Avoid using "quite an experiment" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Opt for more specific and descriptive language when the experimental aspect is less central to your meaning. For example, instead of saying, "Trying to implement this new software is quite an experiment", say, "Implementing this new software is a significant challenge."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite an experiment" functions as a subject complement or a predicate nominative, describing a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability as a way to characterize an activity as exploratory and potentially uncertain.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite an experiment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to characterize an activity or situation as novel, potentially risky, and whose outcome is uncertain. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, it can also be found in Science and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, consider its impact and avoid overuse for maximum effectiveness. Alternatives like "remarkable undertaking" or "significant venture" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable undertaking

Stresses the unusual and noteworthy qualities of the activity.

considerable undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and effort involved, rather than the experimental nature.

major endeavor

Highlights the ambitious and significant nature of the project.

significant venture

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the initiative.

unique venture

Focuses on the uniqueness of the project.

notable trial

Focuses on the aspect of testing and assessment involved.

ambitious project

Highlights the expansive scope and goals of the activity.

bold initiative

Underscores the courage and innovation inherent in the activity.

novel approach

Focuses on the new and innovative method being employed.

groundbreaking procedure

Emphasizes the innovative and precedent-setting qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "quite an experiment" in a sentence?

Use "quite an experiment" to describe a situation or endeavor that is novel, potentially risky, and whose outcome is uncertain. For example, "The new urban farming initiative is "quite an experiment"."

What phrases are similar to "quite an experiment"?

Similar phrases include "considerable undertaking", "remarkable undertaking", or "significant venture". These alternatives can emphasize different aspects, such as the effort involved or the potential impact.

Is "quite an experiment" formal or informal?

The phrase "quite an experiment" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation. However, alternatives might be more suitable for highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "quite an experiment" and "an interesting experiment"?

"Quite an experiment" suggests a more significant or noteworthy undertaking than "an interesting experiment". "Quite" implies a greater degree of novelty, risk, or potential impact. The simple alternative is "an interesting experiment".