a few samples are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few samples are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of samples in a context such as research, testing, or analysis. Example: "A few samples are needed to conduct the experiment effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These neutron detectors have also been tested at neutron beam facilities like ISIS (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK) and n_TOF (CERN) where a few samples are already in operation for beam flux and 2D profile measurements.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

When a few samples are taken, then the average log-likelihood l (see below) fluctuates widely across different runs.

Epidemics

Additionally, we find that the majority of the tumor samples are individually significantly correlated to the HCC cell lines (a few samples are exampled in Figure 3a).

BMC Medical Genomics

In the absence of individual sample analysis, and given the dynamic range of circulating DNA [ 21], one cannot be certain that a few samples are not overshadowing the other samples, thus reducing the complexity of the pool.

Clinical Epigenetics

However, porting this idea of local penalization directly to a gene regulatory network which is cursed with dimensionality (there are a large number of variables (genes), but only a few samples are available), has the problem of over-penalization.

BMC Systems Biology

Similarly, a low sampling frequency compromises the recognition of interday variation and, if only a few samples are taken over a long period of time, will make it impossible to tell whether seasonal differences observed are real or only a function of normal variation.

Environmental Science & Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A few samples were oxidized at several oxidation levels.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A few samples were digested without addition of water.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Considering this large variability, unconfined compressive strength obtained by testing just a few samples is questionable.

Engineering Geology

A few samples were also taken in an area 75 kilometers from Pennsylvania in adjacent New York.

Science Magazine

Finally, for comparison, a few samples were annealed in air at the temperature of 300°C for 2 h.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few samples are", ensure the context clearly indicates what these samples are representative of and why their limited number is relevant.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping statements based solely on "a few samples are". Always acknowledge the limitations of the sample size and suggest further research or analysis with a larger dataset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few samples are" functions as a quantifier followed by a subject and verb. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It indicates that a limited number of items (samples) possess a certain characteristic or are involved in a specific situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few samples are" is grammatically sound and predominantly used within scientific and research contexts to denote a small, limited number of samples. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the implications of the small sample size on the generalizability of any findings. Using alternatives such as "some samples are" or "several samples are" may be suitable depending on the precise quantity you intend to convey. Overall, while the phrase is accurate, awareness of the sample size's impact is essential for responsible writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some samples are

Replaces "a few" with "some", indicating an indefinite but small quantity.

just a few samples are

Adds "just" for emphasis, highlighting the small quantity.

several samples are

Substitutes "a few" with "several", implying a slightly larger, but still limited, number.

a handful of samples are

Uses "a handful" to suggest a small, easily manageable quantity.

a small number of samples are

Rephrases "a few samples" to "a small number of samples", providing a more explicit quantity.

not many samples are

Expresses the limited quantity in a negative form.

limited samples are

Focuses on the restricted availability of samples rather than the exact quantity.

only a couple of samples are

Specifies the quantity as "a couple", meaning two, emphasizing the scarcity.

a minority of samples are

Shifts focus to proportion, indicating that the samples represent a smaller group within a larger set.

a scattering of samples are

Implies a dispersed and relatively small number of samples.

FAQs

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

In a research paper, you can use "a few samples are" to acknowledge limitations in your data or to describe preliminary findings. For instance, "A few samples are showing promising results, but further investigation is needed."

What's the difference between "some samples are" and "a few samples are"?

"A few samples are" generally implies a smaller and more specific number than "some samples are". "A few" suggests a handful, whereas "some" can indicate a larger, less defined quantity.

Can I use "a couple of samples are" instead of "a few samples are"?

While "a couple of samples are" is similar, it strictly means two. "A few samples are" implies three or more, so use it when you have more than two but still a limited quantity.

When is it inappropriate to use "a few samples are"?

Avoid using "a few samples are" when the sample size is actually significant or representative of a larger population. In such cases, use more accurate descriptors like "several samples", "many samples", or specific numerical quantities.