- Have you ever wondered if you should “make” or “do” an experiment?
- Do you want to sound more professional when discussing scientific research or new ideas?
- Are you confused about when to use “experiment on” versus “experiment with”?
Understanding collocations—words that naturally bond together—is the “secret sauce” to sounding like a native speaker. When you use the word experiment, choosing the right verb or preposition doesn’t just improve your grammar; it builds your credibility in professional and academic settings. This guide will help you move past basic vocabulary and master the natural phrasing used by experts in 2024.
Essential Collocations using EXPERIMENT as a Noun
In English, “experiment” is most frequently used as a noun. It refers to a scientific procedure or a test to see if something works. Here are the most common ways to use it naturally.
Verbs used with Experiment
In professional English, we rarely “make” an experiment. Instead, we use specific action verbs that indicate the stage of the process.
- Conduct an experiment: (Formal/Standard) “The university decided to conduct an experiment on sleep patterns.”
- Carry out an experiment: (Standard/Scientific) “The team is carrying out an experiment to test the new fuel.”
- Run an experiment: (Common/Informal) “We need to run an experiment to see if this code works.”
- Perform an experiment: (Scientific/Technical) “The students performed an experiment in the chemistry lab.”
- Design an experiment: (Planning phase) “It takes months to design a controlled experiment properly.”
Adjectives used with Experiment
To describe the type of test being done, use these common adjectives.
- Controlled experiment: A test where only one variable is changed. “A controlled experiment is the gold standard of research.”
- Pilot experiment: A small preliminary test. “We are starting with a pilot experiment before the full launch.”
- Clinical experiment: Often used in medicine. “The new drug is undergoing a clinical experiment.”
- Thought experiment: An experiment carried out only in the imagination. “Einstein was famous for his complex thought experiments.”
- Failed experiment: A test that did not produce the desired result. “The project was scrapped after a failed experiment.”
Common Collocations with EXPERIMENT as a Verb
When you use “experiment” as a verb, you are describing the act of trying new things. The prepositions you choose here are critical for meaning.
Verb + Preposition Patterns
- Experiment with: Used when trying a new method, tool, or idea. “The chef likes to experiment with exotic spices.”
- Experiment on: Used when the experiment involves a subject (usually a person or animal). “The company promised never to experiment on animals.”
Adverbs used with Experiment
- Experiment extensively: “They experimented extensively with the UI design before the update.”
- Experiment cautiously: “When dealing with high voltages, you must experiment cautiously.”
- Experiment freely: “The art teacher encouraged the students to experiment freely with colors.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct an experiment | Noun + Verb | To do a scientific test (formal). |
| Experiment with | Verb + Prep | To try something new to see the result. |
| Controlled experiment | Adjective + Noun | A test with strict limitations for accuracy. |
| Run an experiment | Noun + Verb | To perform a test (common/business). |
| Experiment extensively | Verb + Adverb | To try many different things over a long time. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make an experiment | Conduct/Do/Run an experiment |
| Experiment in a new recipe | Experiment with a new recipe |
| A big experiment | A large-scale experiment |
| Carry an experiment | Carry out an experiment |
Contextual Story
“Our marketing team decided to conduct an experiment to see if a shorter checkout process would increase sales. We experimented with several different layouts, eventually opting for a pilot experiment in the UK market. Although we had to run the experiment twice to get accurate data, the controlled experiment eventually proved that simplicity is key. Now, we are experimenting extensively with mobile-first designs to further improve user experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Experiment Collocations
Is it ‘do an experiment’ or ‘make an experiment’?
In English, we never say “make an experiment.” You should always use “do,” “conduct,” “perform,” or “run.” “Conduct” is the best choice for formal writing, while “run” is very common in modern business and tech contexts.
What is the difference between ‘experiment with’ and ‘experiment on’?
“Experiment with” is used for methods, ingredients, or ideas (e.g., “experiment with a new schedule”). “Experiment on” is used for the physical subject of the test (e.g., “experiment on lab samples”).
Can I say ‘scientific experiment’?
Yes, “scientific experiment” is a very common and natural collocation. However, in many contexts, the word “scientific” is implied, so just saying “experiment” is often sufficient.
Is ‘experimenting’ always a verb?
“Experimenting” can be a verb (the present participle) or a gerund (a noun made from a verb). For example: “He is experimenting” (Verb) vs. “Experimenting is fun” (Gerund/Noun).
What is a ‘social experiment’?
A “social experiment” is a popular collocation referring to a test used to see how people in society react to certain situations or behaviors, often seen in sociology or even on social media.
This is perfect! I often hesitate when writing scientific reports, unsure if my verb choice is truly professional. 'Conduct' and 'carry out' will be my go-to now.
That's wonderful to hear, Ricardo! Gaining confidence in your professional communication is exactly what we aim for. These verbs will certainly elevate the precision and credibility of your scientific reports. Keep up the excellent work!
I'm an advanced learner, and even I found new insights here. The examples provided for each verb are spot on. Really appreciate the clarity.
What about 'test an experiment'? Does that make sense, or is it redundant?
That's a thoughtful question, Linda! While you might 'test a hypothesis' or 'test a theory,' 'test an experiment' is generally considered redundant or not idiomatic. An experiment itself is a test or procedure. You would 'conduct' or 'carry out' an experiment to 'test' something else (e.g., a new product, an idea, a hypothesis). Hope that clarifies!
This is great for my IELTS preparation! I need to improve my academic vocabulary, and collocations like these are exactly what examiners look for.
Fantastic to hear this is helping with your IELTS prep, Omar! Mastering natural collocations is indeed a strong indicator of advanced English proficiency and will definitely boost your scores in both speaking and writing. Best of luck with your exam!
I used to think 'do an experiment' was perfectly fine. This article has been a real eye-opener! I need to practice using 'conduct' more.
It's a common initial thought, Chloe, and that's perfectly okay! The beauty of learning is in discovering these nuances. Actively practicing 'conduct an experiment' will quickly make it feel natural. You're on the right track!
I work in R&D and often have to present findings. Knowing the right verbs for 'experiment' helps me sound much more confident. The subtle difference in formality is super helpful.
What about 'set up an experiment'? Is that also a collocation? It feels like it implies the preparation phase.
That's an excellent observation, Maria! 'Set up an experiment' is indeed a very common and correct collocation. As you rightly pointed out, it specifically refers to the preparatory phase – arranging equipment, preparing materials, and getting everything ready before you 'conduct' or 'carry out' the experiment. Thanks for bringing that up!
This article reminded me of my English teacher who always said 'pay attention to how words go together!' Now I see why it's so important for credibility. Amazing content!
Your teacher was absolutely right, Sofia! Collocations are truly the building blocks of natural and credible communication. We're thrilled this article resonates with you and reinforces that valuable lesson!
I'm a native speaker but sometimes I still find myself wondering about these things. It's great to have a clear guide, especially for writing more formally. Thanks for the clarity!
Could you give a few more examples for 'carry out an experiment' in different scientific fields? Like, in chemistry versus psychology?
Certainly, Priya! In chemistry: 'The students will carry out an experiment to synthesize a new compound.' In psychology: 'Researchers are carrying out an experiment to observe social behavior in groups.' It emphasizes the methodical execution of a planned procedure.