what an experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or admiration about an experiment, often highlighting its significance or unexpected results. Example: "After seeing the results, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'What an experiment this turned out to be!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(The problem is exacerbated if, as is so often the case, the subjects are psychology undergraduates, more than averagely motivated to please their professors and to further the goals of psychological science, and better placed than most to make a good guess as to what an experiment might be about).

SEP

With each new mathematical or statistical concept comes an enhanced understanding of what an experiment might uncover through a more sophisticated design than what was previously thought possible.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Can you rein in expenses without affecting the culture? A. The people who manage these areas are very, very sensitive to what is really important versus what is an experiment or a waste of money or what have you.

The New York Times - Tech

And whether following his example or running in the opposite direction, issuing public manifestos or working away in private, his younger colleagues suggest what an audacious experiment in alternative reality abstraction has always been.

The New York Times - Arts

Theoretical biologists can also benefit from wet lab experience to help them appreciate what doing an experiment involves.

eLife

His suggestion is that the natural way to get an initial grip on what a mathematical experiment might be is to consider how an experiment in this paradigmatic sense might have mathematical ramifications.

SEP

That's what makes an experiment under way here so jaw-dropping.

The New York Times

Haber regards himself as an instrument builder — that is, as someone who, after considering what device an experiment requires, designs the device and makes it or sees to its being made by a custom shop.

The New Yorker

That's what made an experiment in 1980 so surprising: After scientists grafted oral tissue from mice onto a chicken's gums, the birds grew round, mouselike teeth.

Science Magazine

It's a fat scar, a lingering reminder of what a failed experiment Wimbledon 2Day was.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What a scientific experiment does, then, is strip away everything but one mechanism at one emergent level of reality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what an experiment" to express surprise or admiration for the design, execution, or outcome of a test or procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "what an experiment" when describing a general experience or event that isn't a deliberate scientific or investigative process. Instead, consider phrases like "what an ordeal" or "what an adventure" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an experiment" functions as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a sense of surprise, admiration, or reflection about the nature, process, or outcome of a particular experiment. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis indicating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what an experiment" is an exclamatory phrase used to express surprise, admiration, or reflection regarding an experiment. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct, although it's considered an uncommon expression. It appears in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it refers to a deliberate scientific or investigative procedure, and consider using synonyms like "what a trial" or "what a test" to tailor your message. Its frequency suggests being mindful of the audience and context when choosing this phrase. The phrase is more neutral than formal or informal and it's more likely to be found in news and media rather than academia or encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a trial

Replaces "experiment" with "trial", emphasizing the challenging nature of the experience.

what a test

Replaces "experiment" with "test", focusing on the evaluation aspect.

what an endeavor

Substitutes "experiment" with "endeavor", highlighting the effort involved.

what a venture

Replaces "experiment" with "venture", emphasizing the risk and uncertainty.

what a feat

Substitutes "experiment" with "feat", focusing on the accomplishment achieved.

what a process

Replaces "experiment" with "process", highlighting the step-by-step nature of the undertaking.

what a study

Replaces "experiment" with "study", emphasizing a more formal investigation.

what an undertaking

Similar to "endeavor", but more formal, indicating a significant project.

what a procedure

Substitutes "experiment" with "procedure", implying a structured set of actions.

what an exercise

Replaces "experiment" with "exercise", emphasizing the developmental or practice aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "what an experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "what an experiment" to express surprise or reflect on the outcome of a specific trial or scientific test. For example, "After seeing the results, I thought, what an experiment!"

What phrases are similar to "what an experiment"?

Similar phrases include "what a trial", "what a test", or "what a venture". These alternatives convey similar sentiments of surprise or reflection about a designed procedure.

Is "what an experiment" formal or informal?

"What an experiment" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the audience. However, it generally leans towards a more neutral tone, suitable for expressing surprise or admiration in various settings.

What's the difference between "what an experiment" and "what an experience"?

"What an experiment" refers specifically to a designed test or procedure, while "what an experience" refers to a general event or occurrence. The former highlights the controlled nature of the process, whereas the latter emphasizes the overall impact of an event.