Give a sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Give a sample" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when requesting an example or demonstration of something. For example, "Please give a sample of your work." Alternative expressions include "Provide an example" and "Offer a sample."

✓ Grammatically correct

General requests for examples

Scientific studies requiring samples

Legal and compliance requests

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has been tested six times a month and often must give a sample with no warning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Asked to give a sample of his musical abilities, he demurred.

The New York Times

Still, Mrs. Strobridge, who lives in Perry, Iowa, agreed to give a sample of her blood for the tests.

The New York Times

We then state the conjecture and give a sample of its many consequences and the few very partial results available.

Harvard University

The New Yorker, December 13 , 1941P. 19 The ladies of aUnitarian church in Boston decided to give a sample party to raise some money.

The New Yorker

DrThom then offers a free HIV home-sampling kit to participants via the post so they could give a sample from the privacy of their own homes.

The Guardian

But Mr. Kee declared himself a Jehovah's Witness and refused to give a sample after he was handed a release form that mentioned DNA analysis.

The New York Times

He was taken into custody where he struggled to give a sample of his breath and branded police procedures a "fucking joke".

The Guardian - Sport

If he is still unable to give a sample, he can wait up to an hour after that day's game ends.

The New York Times - Sports

But if they arrive on your given hour, you must be there and proceed to give a sample – sometimes blood and urine, but always urine.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Markoff's lawyer, John Salsberg, declined comment after the hearing when asked if Mr. Markoff would give a sample without being ordered by a judge to do so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give a sample" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines the type of sample being requested (e.g. "give a blood sample", "give a writing sample").

Common error

Avoid using "give a sample" when a more specific term would be clearer. For example, instead of "give a sample of your work", specify "provide a portfolio" or "submit a writing sample".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Give a sample" functions as a request or instruction to provide an example or specimen. As Ludwig AI points out, this can range from providing a piece of writing to submitting a biological specimen. The Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

58%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Give a sample" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to request an example or specimen. As Ludwig AI explains, it appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic publications. While largely interchangeable with alternatives like "provide an example", its directness makes it suitable for both neutral and slightly informal settings. While often correct, it's important to consider if a more specific term is appropriate for formal writing to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Provide an example

Focuses on offering a concrete instance or illustration.

Offer a specimen

Implies presenting a representative item for examination, particularly in scientific or medical contexts.

Submit a sample

Suggests a more formal or required submission of a sample.

Show an instance

Emphasizes demonstrating a particular case or occurrence.

Present a demonstration

Highlights the act of showing how something works through a sample.

Supply a taste

Used metaphorically to suggest a brief experience or preview.

Furnish an illustration

Implies providing a clear and detailed example.

Share a demonstration

Stresses the act of providing a demonstration, emphasizing collaboration.

Exhibit an instance

Conveys a more formal display of a particular case.

Illustrate with an example

More explicitly states the act of clarifying something through a sample.

FAQs

How can I use "Give a sample" in a sentence?

You can use "Give a sample" when you need someone to provide an example or a specimen. For example: "Could you give a sample of your writing?" or "The doctor asked him to give a sample for testing."

What's a more formal way to say "Give a sample"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "provide an example" or "submit a specimen" depending on the specific situation.

Is it correct to use "Give a sample" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable. For example, when requesting data, you might say, "Please give a sample of the data collected". However, consider using more precise terminology depending on the field.

What's the difference between "Give a sample" and "provide a sample"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Give a sample" is slightly more informal than "provide a sample", but both are widely understood and used.