a core sample of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core sample of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to geology, research, or analysis where a representative sample is taken from a larger whole for examination. Example: "The scientists collected a core sample of the ice to study climate change over the past millennia."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 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

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

The New Yorker

It provides a core sample of a fertile, fast-moving period in an innovative, little-known career whose through line is perception, the body and a sense of play.

The New York Times - Arts

In particular, using a core sample of 98 countries over the period 1996 2009, this paper has found a significant direct effect of institutions on R&D intensity.

Journal of Macroeconomics

The data developed in part at the Berkeley Institute of Data Science, taking information from a core sample of ice over Lake Vostok — a section of ice in Antarctica that has air bubbles trapped in it.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Harrison Schmitt, one of the Apollo 17 astronauts, uses a thin metal pole to get a core sample on the surface of the Moon.

Forbes

This provocation is represented as a core sampling of bedrock and sinking landscape.

Yale University

The thematic core collection obtained meets the minimum requirements for a core sample - maintenance of at least 80% of the allelic richness of the thematic collection, with, approximately, 15% of its size.

BMC Plant Biology

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

The events of "Ghosts, Cowboys" appear to have actually happened (or so says a shallow Wikipedia dip), so the author insists that the reader ask, "Why fictionalize?" The story works in the manner of a core sample: examine an isolated piece of real estate and plunge deep into its concentrated substance.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a core sample of" when you want to emphasize the depth or representativeness of the selected material, such as in scientific research or detailed analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a core sample of" in informal conversations or writing where simpler alternatives like "some" or "a few" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core sample of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, often acting as an adjectival phrase to modify another noun. It describes something that is a representative piece taken for analysis or examination, as seen in Ludwig examples from scientific journals and news articles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core sample of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a representative selection taken for detailed analysis. While Ludwig confirms its correct usage, it's more common in formal and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "a representative selection of" or "a sampling of" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is useful when emphasizing the depth or representativeness of the material being examined. Overusing it in casual situations should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sampling of

Similar to the original, but slightly more general.

a representative selection of

Emphasizes the representativeness of the chosen elements.

a typical example of

Highlights the typical or characteristic nature of the sample.

a cross-section of

Implies a diverse and representative range of elements.

a segment of

Focuses on a particular portion or division of the whole.

a snapshot of

Conveys a quick, informative view of a situation or entity.

an extract of

Suggests a concentrated or essential part taken from the whole.

a portion of

Refers to a specific quantity or share of the whole.

a fragment of

Implies a smaller, possibly incomplete, piece of the whole.

a glimpse into

Suggests a brief or partial view of something larger.

FAQs

How can I use "a core sample of" in a sentence?

You might say, "The study analyzed "a core sample of" the sediment to determine the age of the lake."

What are some alternatives to "a core sample of"?

Consider using alternatives like "a representative selection of", "a sampling of", or "a cross-section of" depending on the specific context.

Is "a core sample of" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a core sample of" is generally more appropriate for formal or technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases might be better.

What does "a core sample of" imply about the selected material?

It suggests that the selected material is representative and provides valuable insights into the larger whole from which it was taken.