conduct an experiment
/kənˈdʌkt ən ɪkˈsper.ɪ.mənt/
Meaning
To perform a scientific test or investigation to discover something, test a hypothesis, or establish a fact. This is a formal academic collocation; while 'do an experiment' is common in casual speech, 'conduct' is preferred in academic writing.
Examples
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The researchers plan to conduct an experiment to test the efficacy of the new drug.
The researchers plan to conduct an experiment to test the efficacy of the new drug.
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Before you conduct an experiment, you must obtain approval from the ethics committee.
Before you conduct an experiment, you must obtain approval from the ethics committee.
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We conducted an experiment in our chemistry lab to observe the reaction of different metals.
We conducted an experiment in our chemistry lab to observe the reaction of different metals.
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It is crucial to control all variables when you conduct an experiment.
It is crucial to control all variables when you conduct an experiment.
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They are currently conducting an experiment on how sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
They are currently conducting an experiment on how sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The scientists made an experiment to test their theory.
✓ The scientists conducted an experiment to test their theory.
In English, we do not 'make' experiments. We 'conduct', 'run', 'perform', or 'do' them.
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✗ We will conduct an experiment of the new software.
✓ We will conduct an experiment on the new software.
The preposition used after 'experiment' is usually 'on' or 'with', not 'of'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The science class will ______ ______ ______ next week to study plant growth.
💡 To perform a scientific test.
Show answer
conduct an experiment
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To prove your hypothesis, you need to ______ ______ ______ under controlled conditions.
💡 Carry out a scientific test.
Show answer
conduct an experiment