trial run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trial run" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a practice or rehearsal of something, usually to test or demonstrate its effectiveness or to gauge the skill of the person using it. For example, "We decided to do a trial run of our new product before launching it to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a trial run".

The New York Times - Magazine

Think of me as a trial run.

The New York Times

The trial run went all right.

The New Yorker

This is something of a trial run.

The New York Times - Arts

The trial run, however, received mixed reviews.

The New York Times - Arts

Death Valley was Creation's trial run.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a trial run for both.

The Guardian - Money

But it's really a trial run.

The Guardian - Music

As his trial run ended, the Nature Conservancy's own trial run began.

The New York Times

In August 1941, she made a trial run.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Offer these past job candidates a seasonal position as a trial-run.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trial run" to describe an initial test or experiment designed to identify potential problems or assess feasibility before full implementation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "trial run" to imply guaranteed success. A "trial run" is specifically for identifying potential issues, so acknowledge the possibility of unforeseen problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trial run" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms its proper grammatical usage, confirming its role in denoting a preliminary test or experiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trial run" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a preliminary test or experiment. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general information. It is primarily used to communicate the purpose of evaluating something before full implementation. When using "trial run", ensure it reflects the possibility of identifying potential issues rather than implying guaranteed success. Its alternatives are "dry run", "pilot project" and "preliminary test".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dry run

Similar to "trial run", but often emphasizes rehearsal without real consequences.

preliminary test

Highlights the early and initial nature of the testing.

dummy run

Emphasizes the artificial nature of the test.

pilot project

Indicates a small-scale project used to inform larger implementations.

practice session

Highlights the training and rehearsal aspect.

test phase

Refers to a specific stage in a process dedicated to testing.

experimental stage

Highlights the exploratory nature of the activity.

test case

Implies a specific scenario designed to evaluate functionality.

proof of concept

Focuses on demonstrating that something is possible.

feasibility study

Focuses on determining the viability of a project.

FAQs

How to use "trial run" in a sentence?

You can use "trial run" to describe a test or preliminary execution of something. For example, "The company conducted a "trial run" of the new software before its official release."

What can I say instead of "trial run"?

You can use alternatives like "dry run", "pilot project", or "preliminary test" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "trial run" or "trial run experiment"?

"Trial run" is generally sufficient. Adding "experiment" can be redundant, as a "trial run" inherently implies an experiment.

What's the difference between "trial run" and "test phase"?

"Trial run" usually refers to a specific instance of testing something, while "test phase" refers to a broader period dedicated to testing activities.