a core sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific contexts, particularly in geology or environmental studies, to refer to a cylindrical section of material taken from a larger body, such as soil or rock, for analysis. Example: "The researchers collected a core sample from the glacier to study its historical climate data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each tube contains a core sample of the seafloor.

The New Yorker

The image is really a core sample of the universe.

The New York Times - Science

Aqueous polymer solutions have been injected into a core sample.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

SXSW is a kind of pop music census: a core sample of what's happening Right This Second Now.

The New Yorker

In January 2000, a forensic archaeologist took a core sample from the cemetery, now covered by the four-acre St . Georgemunicipal parking lot.

The New York Times

He made a core sample, a square of turf and soil as wide and deep as his spade, then lifted it gently and laid it on the grass.

The New York Times

One way is to study tree rings, either by taking a core sample from a living tree or by examining the stump of a felled tree.

The New York Times

When Daisy Bradford No. 3 reached thirty-four hundred and fifty-six feet, a core sample finally showed oil-saturated sand.

The New Yorker

So a single strand is like a core sample: chop it into short lengths, analyze each, and you have a record of dietary changes over time.

The New York Times - Science

(A relatively small post oak in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx was determined through a core sample to be 236 years old).

The New York Times

Monitoring the health of bridges requires either drilling out a core sample or embedding boxy sensors that monitor for the intrusion of rust-inducing salt.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a core sample", specify its source (e.g., "a soil core sample", "an ice core sample") for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "a core sample" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "the scientist analyzed a core sample", specify the type of sample, such as "the scientist analyzed a sediment sample".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core sample" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a cylindrical or representative portion extracted from a larger material for analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core sample" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, typically functioning to denote a representative specimen extracted for scientific analysis. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, the phrase maintains a formal register. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, highlighting numerous examples across authoritative sources. The term's core meaning pertains to a cylindrical section extracted from a larger body. Understanding its usage and context, as exemplified across these analyses, allows for more precise communication and comprehension in relevant disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sample core

Inverts the order of the words, maintaining the core concept but slightly altering the emphasis.

a borehole sample

Specifies that the sample was obtained from a borehole, adding technical detail.

a stratigraphic core

Emphasizes the geological aspect and layering of the core.

a representative sample

Focuses on the representativeness of the sample, rather than the method of extraction.

a typical specimen

Highlights the typicality of the specimen, implying it is representative of a larger population.

an exploratory sample

Focuses on the sample's use in exploration or investigation.

a cross-section

Emphasizes the idea of cutting through something to reveal its internal structure or composition.

a diagnostic sample

Highlights the use of the sample for diagnostic purposes.

an extracted segment

Focuses on the action of extracting a part of a larger whole.

a material extraction

Generalizes the concept to any extracted material, not necessarily cylindrical.

FAQs

How is "a core sample" typically obtained?

A "core sample" is usually extracted using specialized drilling equipment designed to retrieve a cylindrical section of a subsurface material, such as soil, rock, or ice. The specific method depends on the material and the depth from which the sample is needed.

What can I analyze using "a core sample"?

Depending on the source of the sample, different aspects can be analyzed. A soil "core sample" can be used to test compaction, while an ice "core sample" can provide data on historical climate. See also "a sediment sample".

What are the differences between "a core sample" and "a surface sample"?

"A core sample" is taken from beneath the surface, providing a vertical profile of the material. A surface sample, on the other hand, is collected from the top layer and represents only the immediate surface conditions. Therefore a "surface sample" does not provide the historical depth of a "core sample".

In what fields is "a core sample" most commonly used?

"A core sample" is frequently employed in various fields, including geology, environmental science, archaeology, and engineering, to gather subsurface data for analysis and research. Fields like petroleum science also rely on obtaining "a representative sample" for analysis.