a control sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a control sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific and research contexts to refer to a standard or reference sample used for comparison in experiments. Example: "In our study, we used a control sample to ensure the accuracy of our results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Offenders undergoing polygraph testing made twice as many "clinically significant disclosures" as a control sample.

The Guardian

This largely mirrors the data it received from a control sample of drivers using the "normal" Mini Cooper.

The Guardian

As a control sample, the scientists gave the same puzzles to forty-eight students working by themselves.

The New Yorker

A control sample of 1,008 people representative of the country as a whole were interviewed over the phone to provide a comparison.

The Guardian

a Control sample.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The purified seed gum was considered as a control sample.

Chemistry Central Journal

A control sample of deionised water was also run.

Nanoscale Research Letters

As a control sample, a QW-QCD was also measured.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A control sample was taken as a standard solution.

Petroleum Science

Offenders were not matched based on any criteria nor was a control sample used.

Health & Justice

A total of ten (10) formulations were done, including a control sample with no surfactant.

Applied Adhesion Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your experimental design, clearly state the purpose of the "control sample" and what it is being compared against to ensure clarity and reproducibility.

Common error

Avoid using the term "control sample" when you actually mean a control group. A "control sample" is a physical sample, while a control group is a set of subjects (people, animals, etc.) in a study.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a control sample" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a standard for comparison in experiments or studies, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

87%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a control sample" is a frequently used noun phrase in scientific and research contexts. It signifies a standard for comparison, essential for determining the impact of variables or treatments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage is primarily within formal and scientific registers, reflecting its role in objective and precise communication. Remember to use "a control sample" when referring to the physical sample and "a control group" when referring to a group of subjects. Using a clear explanation of "a control sample" helps to make your data reproducible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference sample

Focuses on the use of the sample as a standard for comparison.

baseline sample

Emphasizes the initial measurement or condition against which changes are measured.

standard sample

Highlights the role of the sample as an accepted norm or benchmark.

untreated sample

Indicates the sample did not receive the experimental treatment, emphasizing the absence of manipulation.

negative control

Indicates a sample where a negative result is expected, validating the specificity of the experimental setup.

placebo group

Specifically used in medical or psychological contexts where a placebo is administered.

sham group

Used when mimicking a medical intervention, especially surgery, without the active component.

vehicle control

Denotes a sample with the solvent or carrier but without the active compound, ensuring the carrier itself doesn't affect the outcome.

experimental control

Refers to the method of controlling extraneous variables to see whether a certain treatment has an intended effect.

matched control

In observational studies, refers to the selection of a group that is similar in key characteristics to the group exposed to the factor of interest.

FAQs

How is "a control sample" used in scientific research?

In scientific research, "a control sample" is used as a baseline for comparison. It's a sample that isn't subjected to the experimental treatment, allowing researchers to determine the true effect of the treatment on the experimental samples.

What's the difference between "a control sample" and "a test sample"?

"A control sample" is used for comparison and doesn't receive the treatment being tested. A test sample, on the other hand, is the sample that is subjected to the experimental treatment, and its results are compared against the control sample to evaluate the treatment's effect.

Can I use "a standard sample" interchangeably with "a control sample"?

While "a standard sample" can sometimes serve as "a control sample", the terms aren't always interchangeable. A standard sample is a well-characterized material used for calibration or quality control, while a control sample specifically serves as a baseline for comparison in an experiment.

What should I consider when preparing "a control sample" for my experiment?

When preparing "a control sample", ensure it is as similar as possible to the experimental samples in all aspects except for the variable being tested. This helps to minimize confounding factors and ensures that any observed differences are due to the experimental treatment alone.