trial and error

USAGE SUMMARY

'trial and error' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of finding solutions to a problem or situation by trying different methods until you find an acceptable solution. For example, "In order to find the perfect recipe, I had to use the trial and error method until I found the combination of ingredients and method of cooking that suited my tastes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's trial and error.

The New York Times

"It's been trial and error".

The New York Times

"It was trial and error.

The New Yorker

It's trial and error — live".

The New Yorker

It's trial and error, trial and error, and mostly error.

The Guardian - Music

SCIENCE proceeds by trial and error.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Relationships, too, involved painful trial-and-error.

Vice

Scientific discovery, trial-and-error, that stuff.

HuffPost

Until then, it's basically just trial-and-error.

Vice

"The process is more trial-and-error, like chess.

Vice

This selection comes after multiple, expensive, trial-and-error experiments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trial and error" to acknowledge that mistakes are a natural part of learning and problem-solving, fostering a more forgiving and experimental environment.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "trial and error" without documenting the trials and their outcomes. Keeping a record of what has been tried and the results helps prevent repeating the same mistakes and accelerates the learning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trial and error" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a method of problem-solving or learning that involves repeated attempts, with errors serving as feedback to guide subsequent trials. Ludwig provides many examples that confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trial and error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used method for problem-solving and learning through repeated attempts and mistakes. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It's suitable for various registers, from formal academic papers to informal discussions. The most important thing is to document trials to avoid repeating mistakes. When a more precise expression is required, consider alternatives like "experimentation" or "test-and-adjust".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test-and-adjust

Highlights the cyclical nature of testing and making adjustments.

cut and try

An informal way to describe the process of repeated attempts.

hit-or-miss approach

Emphasizes the uncertainty of success in each attempt.

experimentation

Focuses on the act of experimenting without explicitly mentioning the errors part.

iterative process

Highlights the repetitive nature of the process with cycles of refinement.

learn as you go

Focuses on the learning aspect while downplaying the errors.

successive approximations

Indicates a method of gradually approaching the desired outcome.

hands-on learning

Emphasizes practical experience, which often involves "trial and error".

empirical method

A more formal term for learning through observation and experiment.

research and development

The methodic and organized use of "trial and error" for commercial, scientific, and/or governmental use.

FAQs

How can I describe a process of repeated attempts to find a solution, other than using "trial and error"?

You can use alternative phrases like "experimentation", "test-and-adjust", or "cut and try" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "trial and error" in formal writing?

Yes, "trial and error" is acceptable in formal writing. It is a well-understood and widely used phrase. While it may not always be the most sophisticated term, it clearly conveys the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "trial and error" and "research and development"?

"Trial and error" is a general term for learning through experimentation and failure. "Research and development" implies a more structured and organized approach to innovation.

How do I use "trial and error" effectively in a sentence?

To use "trial and error" effectively, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being tested and what outcomes are being evaluated. For example, "The engineer used a process of "trial and error" to optimize the engine's performance".