a few samples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few samples" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small amount of something from a larger group. For example, "I collected a few samples of soil from different parts of the garden for testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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Harvard University

A few (14%) are not communicating at all.

Harvard University

I can knock down a few 3's.

The New York Times - Sports

Here are a few: 1) "Forget the Glow-Puck.

The New York Times

There are a few 30-minute versions for $19.95.

The New York Times - Travel

You'll get quite a few 45s or 55s, but almost no 20s or 80s.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Second, while there are >500 different E3 ligases, there are only a few E3 ligase recruiters.

University of California, Berkeley

Tuesday temperatures will be in the mid 70's to a few 90's possible.

Cornell University

I ran a few times a week, and had done a few 10ks for fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Misc Photographs: A few '60s era, Several appear to be 1900s.

Cornell University

I think I even have a few 3-D objects squirreled away in banker's boxes.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research methodology, ensure that the number of samples is clearly stated and justified in relation to the study's objectives. Being precise enhances the credibility of your work.

Common error

Avoid generalizing findings from "a few samples" to an entire population without proper statistical validation. Clearly acknowledge the limitations of your sample size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few samples" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a limited quantity of items. It modifies a noun to indicate that only a small number of items are being considered.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few samples" is a grammatically correct determiner phrase used to indicate a small quantity of items selected from a larger group. Although Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness, it also reveals that there are no exact matching examples in its database, suggesting a common but potentially underdocumented phrase. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure clarity and precision, and be mindful of potential overgeneralizations when drawing conclusions. Alternative phrases like "several specimens" or "a limited number of items" can offer more formal or specific alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several examples

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger quantity.

a small selection

Substitutes "samples" with "selection", emphasizing the act of choosing a limited group.

a limited number of specimens

Uses "specimens" instead of "samples", appropriate for scientific or formal contexts, and emphasizes the constraint.

a handful of instances

Employs a more figurative term "handful" to suggest a small quantity of occurrences.

some representative items

Highlights that the selected items are typical or indicative of a larger set.

a sampling of cases

Transforms "samples" into "sampling", focusing on the act of taking samples from a broader context.

various fragments

Replaces "samples" with "fragments", suggesting broken or incomplete pieces.

a minority of objects

Uses "minority" to specify that the samples form a smaller proportion of the whole.

certain portions

Specifies that the samples are parts or sections of a larger whole.

selected portions

The sampling represents portions that have been hand-picked for a particular quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a few samples" in a research paper?

When writing a research paper, use "a few samples" to refer to a small, specific subset of data or specimens you've collected. For instance, "We analyzed "a few samples" from each group to identify key differences".

What are some alternatives to saying "a few samples" in a formal context?

In formal writing, you can replace "a few samples" with phrases like "several specimens", "a limited number of items", or "a small selection" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to say "a few samples" or "some samples"?

Both "a few samples" and "some samples" are grammatically correct, but "a few samples" implies a smaller, more specific quantity than "some samples". The better choice depends on the level of precision you want to convey.

How does the context affect the interpretation of "a few samples"?

The interpretation of "a few samples" depends on the context. In scientific research, it might refer to a statistically insignificant amount, whereas, in everyday conversation, it could simply mean more than one or two. Always clarify the quantity when precision is important.