trial and error mode

USAGE SUMMARY

"trial and error mode" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is attempting to solve a problem through repeated trial and error tests. For example, "I spent hours struggling to figure out the right answer for the test, but eventually I was able to figure out the problem by working through a trial and error mode."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

GV doesn't have a fixed-size for its fund, and has been in something of a trial-and-error mode since first opening for business in Europe nearly three years ago.

TechCrunch

For example, the students' trial-and-error strategy in the card mode inspired us to re-design the smartphone UI to show "virtual cards" of individual components that can be dragged and dropped onto the working space to try assembling (emergent peer scaffolding → technological scaffolding; left arrow A in Fig. 2).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

In the sliding mode controller, the heuristic parameters are usually determined by a tedious and repetitive trial-and-error process.

Neurocomputing

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

Vice

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

Concepts that didn't work were quickly abandoned and other more effective modes were identified by rapid trial and error.

Critical Care

She explained that Mode 2 operates by what she calls "enlightened trial and error".

TechCrunch

The mode was developed to represent conversion process of odd vehicles for 15 years by trial and error method.

European Transport Research Review

"It was trial and error.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a development process, consider if "trial and error mode" accurately reflects the active testing and learning involved. It's best used when the process isn't strictly planned but involves learning from each attempt.

Common error

Avoid using "trial and error mode" when the process is more about passively observing results rather than actively changing variables and learning from each iteration. The phrase implies active intervention and adjustment based on observed outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trial and error mode" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific method or approach to problem-solving or learning. It emphasizes a process where solutions are discovered through repeated attempts and the correction of mistakes. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation in which someone is attempting to solve a problem through repeated trial and error tests.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trial and error mode" refers to a method of problem-solving that involves repeated attempts and learning from mistakes. While grammatically correct, as noted by Ludwig, it's relatively rare. It's most often found in contexts related to news, media, and science. For more formal situations, synonyms like "iterative experimentation" might be more appropriate. The key to effectively using "trial and error mode" is to ensure the context involves active experimentation and adaptation, rather than passive observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Iterative experimentation

This alternative emphasizes the repetitive and cyclical nature of the experimentation process.

Experimentation and refinement

This alternative highlights the process of improving through testing and making adjustments.

Learning by doing

This alternative focuses on the practical aspect of gaining knowledge through direct experience.

Empirical approach

This alternative emphasizes the reliance on observation and experience rather than theory.

Cut and try method

This alternative refers to a simple, direct approach to problem-solving that involves repeated attempts.

Hit-or-miss approach

This alternative emphasizes the uncertainty and potential for failure in the process.

Hands-on exploration

This alternative highlights the active and practical nature of the learning process.

Step-by-step improvement

This alternative emphasizes the incremental nature of the progress made through experimentation.

Trial run

This alternative focuses on testing something to discover whether it is suitable or successful.

On the job training

This alternative refers to learning specific work skills while actively employed.

FAQs

How can I use "trial and error mode" in a sentence?

You can use "trial and error mode" to describe a process where repeated attempts are made, and lessons are learned from each attempt. For example, "The company adopted a "trial and error" approach to develop the new product."

What is a good alternative to "trial and error mode"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "iterative experimentation", "experimentation and refinement", or simply "trial and error" might be suitable.

In what situations is "trial and error mode" most appropriate?

"Trial and error mode" is best used when describing unstructured problem-solving or development processes where the outcome is uncertain, and learning occurs through repeated attempts and adjustments.

Is "trial and error mode" considered formal or informal language?

While understandable, "trial and error mode" leans towards neutral to informal language. In very formal or scientific contexts, consider using "iterative experimentation" or "empirical approach" for greater precision.