test them out

USAGE SUMMARY

"test them out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to express the idea of trying something out in order to see how it works. For example, "If you're unsure how to use the new software, why don't you test them out?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You test them out in the lab.

The New York Times - Science

They do work – but test them out first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have to test them out, don't I?" I wheedled.

The New York Times

"And they're super strong – I had to test them out in the toilet over there".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A carousel of lenses pops up, which you can swipe between to test them out.

The Guardian - Tech

They have lost their last three home games and we aim to really test them out".

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, my visit was at too balmy a time of year to test them out.

The New York Times - Travel

"I find things, test them out, and see what works," Ms. Lyons said.

The New York Times

Pizzas and crepes: They don't look good, but I didn't test them out.

The New York Times

The key is to be open to new ideas and to do the work to test them out.

Cornell University

"We have thoroughly prepared plans for major incidents of this nature and we regularly test them out".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new product or strategy, use "test them out" to encourage a practical evaluation of its benefits.

Common error

In formal reports or academic papers, avoid using "test them out". Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "evaluate", "assess", or "examine" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "test them out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of evaluating or experimenting with something to determine its suitability or effectiveness. Ludwig confirms its broad usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "test them out" is a common and acceptable phrasal verb that encourages evaluating something through practical application. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various platforms, especially in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. Although "test them out" is generally safe to use, remember to use more formal alternatives such as "evaluate" or "assess" in academic or business contexts. You can also use alternatives such as "try them" or "examine their effectiveness" to express the same idea. When in doubt, always consider your target audience and the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try them

A more concise and informal alternative.

check them

A simple and direct way to say to verify something.

see how they work

Focuses on observing the functionality of something.

evaluate them

Emphasizes a more formal assessment process.

give them a shot

An informal phrase suggesting an attempt to use something.

assess their performance

Focuses on measuring how well something functions.

examine their effectiveness

Focuses on a detailed inspection to measure results.

put them through their paces

Highlights a thorough examination of capabilities.

run some trials

Implies a series of tests to determine efficacy.

experiment with them

Suggests a more exploratory and iterative approach.

FAQs

How can I use "test them out" in a sentence?

You can use "test them out" when you want to express the idea of trying something to see how it works, like: "Before launching the campaign, let's "test them out" with a small group".

What can I say instead of "test them out"?

You can use alternatives like "evaluate them", "assess their performance", or "try them" depending on the context.

Is "test them out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "test them out" is widely understood, it may be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "evaluate them" or "examine their effectiveness".

What's the difference between "test them out" and "try them"?

While both phrases suggest experimenting with something, "test them out" implies a more deliberate and evaluative approach. "Try them" is generally more casual and can simply mean to give something a go.