what a trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express frustration or difficulty regarding a situation or experience that has been challenging or burdensome. Example: "Dealing with all the paperwork for the house sale has been quite a trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

What a trial that must have been!

The New Yorker

"Know what a trial lawyer is like?" he remarked.

The New Yorker

She made you question your idea of what a trial attorney was, right?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When I look back now, I realize what a trial I must have been to my friends and relatives.

The New Yorker

"When I look back now," he says – in what, ironically, was going to be his last published piece – "I realise what a trial I must have been to my friends and relatives.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Simoneau, the Haggies' lawyer, said that when he tells potential clients in personal injury cases that they might have to wait two or three years for resolution of their claims, some take settlement offers far lower than what a trial might result in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Have you ever taken part in a trial do you know what a clinical trial is?

British Journal of Cancer

I assumed that they knew what a criminal trial was and what happened at trial.

The New Yorker

The appreciation of children and adolescents and their parents of what a clinical trial involved and their reasoning about participation in a clinical trial were examined.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Or might it be that she panicked and tried to hide the fact of the killing even though it had been in self-defense?" That is what a new trial will presumably decide.

The New York Times

I don't really know what a new trial would prove," she said.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a trial" to express empathy or understanding when someone is facing a particularly difficult or challenging situation. It conveys that you recognize the effort and strain involved.

Common error

Avoid using "what a trial" in highly formal or professional settings. While grammatically correct, it leans towards an informal expression of frustration or empathy. Opt for more neutral or professional phrasing in formal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a trial" serves as an exclamatory expression. It's used to convey a sense of difficulty, frustration, or burden associated with a particular situation or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a trial" is an exclamatory phrase used to express frustration or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. While generally acceptable across various contexts, it is more suitable for informal or neutral settings rather than highly formal ones. Alternatives such as "what a challenge" or "what an ordeal" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is relatively uncommon, but readily understood, and particularly prevalent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation, downplaying the negative aspect.

what an ordeal

Highlights the painful or difficult nature of the experience.

what a struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved.

what a hardship

Stresses the suffering or privation caused by the situation.

what a burden

Implies that the situation is a heavy weight or responsibility.

what a nightmare

Highlights the unpleasant and frightening aspects of the experience.

what a pain

Indicates annoyance and inconvenience.

what a bother

Suggests mild annoyance or inconvenience.

what a vexation

Implies a source of irritation or annoyance.

what a tribulation

Emphasizes the suffering and distress caused by the situation, often with a religious connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "what a trial" in a sentence?

"What a trial" is typically used as an exclamation to express how difficult or frustrating a situation is. For example, "Dealing with all this paperwork is "what a trial"!"

What does "what a trial" mean?

The phrase "what a trial" expresses that something is very difficult, annoying, or frustrating to deal with. It indicates that the situation is testing one's patience or endurance.

What can I say instead of "what a trial"?

You can use alternatives like "what a challenge", "what an ordeal", or "what a struggle" depending on the context.

Is "what a trial" formal or informal?

"What a trial" leans toward the informal side. While grammatically sound, it expresses frustration or empathy in a way that's better suited for casual conversation than formal writing or professional communication. In formal contexts, use more neutral language.