a cross section of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cross section of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small representation or sample of something larger. You can use "a cross section of" when talking about a specific group or sample that represents the larger whole. For example: - The survey included a cross section of the population, with participants from different age groups and income levels. - The art exhibition showcased a cross section of local artists, featuring works from various mediums and styles. - The documentary provided a cross section of society, featuring interviews with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

a A cross section of the graft.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

The book's characters are a cross section of Hispanics.

The New York Times - Books

But it was not a cross section of Israeli society.

The New York Times

A cross section of mammalian skin and its underlying structures.

Britannica

Interview a cross section of leaders to discover their techniques.

Harvard Business Review

At right, a cross section of Monopleura salazari.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Opera has always spoken to a cross-section of society.

The Guardian - Music

A cross-section of the scum are here today.

The Guardian - Sport

We asked a cross-section of leaders for their response.

The Guardian

"Daniel Ramirez represents a cross-section of the average Dreamer.

The New Yorker

Create a poster displaying a cross-section of the towers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cross section of", ensure that the selected sample accurately represents the broader population or group you are referring to. This enhances the credibility and generalizability of your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "a cross section of" when the sample is not truly representative. If your selection is biased or limited, choose a more accurate descriptor like "a selection of" or "some".

Linguistic Context

A cross section of functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a determiner specifying that a group or sample is representative of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms the widespread use of this phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “a cross section of” is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that denotes a representative sample of a larger group. According to Ludwig AI, its prevalence spans across diverse fields such as news, science, and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the chosen sample truly mirrors the broader population to maintain accuracy and credibility. Be mindful of avoiding misrepresentation by carefully selecting samples. Furthermore, while alternatives like "a representative sample of" or "a sampling of" exist, “a cross section of” remains a versatile and widely recognized choice for conveying the concept of a balanced representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a representative sample of

Focuses on the representativeness of the sample, emphasizing its ability to accurately reflect the larger group.

a sampling of

Emphasizes the act of taking a sample, often implying a more casual or less rigorous selection process.

a selection of

Highlights the act of choosing specific items, potentially implying a deliberate curation or choice based on certain criteria.

a segment of

Focuses on a specific portion or division of a larger entity, often used in statistical or demographic contexts.

a subset of

Implies a mathematical or logical relationship, where the smaller group is entirely contained within the larger group.

a portion of

Indicates a fraction or part of a whole, without necessarily implying representativeness.

an example of

Illustrates a particular instance or case, without implying a comprehensive or representative view.

a fragment of

Suggests a small, broken, or incomplete piece of something larger.

a glimpse into

Implies a brief or partial view, offering a limited understanding of the whole.

an excerpt from

Refers to a short passage taken from a longer work, such as a book or article.

FAQs

How can I use "a cross section of" in a sentence?

You can use "a cross section of" to indicate that a group or sample is representative of a larger population. For example, "The study surveyed "a cross section of" the community to gather diverse opinions."

What are some alternatives to "a cross section of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a representative sample of", "a sampling of", or "a selection of" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a cross section of"?

It is appropriate to use "a cross section of" when the group being described accurately reflects the diversity and characteristics of the larger population it is drawn from.

What does it mean to say something represents "a cross section of" a group?

When something represents ""a cross section of"" a group, it means that it includes members or elements that are diverse and representative of the whole group's characteristics, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive view.