a generous sampling of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous sampling of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a variety of items, experiences, or data that are selected to provide a broad representation of a larger group. Example: "The exhibition features a generous sampling of contemporary art from various cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The documentary includes a generous sampling of interesting extras and is narrated by the actor TERENCE STAMP.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Mannes College the New School for Music offered a generous sampling of it free on Tuesday evening, when the Mannes Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall.

The New York Times - Arts

Her disciples taught her technique and repertory to later generations of dancers, among them LORI BELILOVE, whose ISADORA DUNCAN DANCE COMPANY offers a generous sampling of her work.

The New York Times

And it also features a generous sampling of films made by mostly self-taught auteurs like Mr. Poe, Eric Mitchell and Daze.

The New York Times

That bond extended to their work in this recital, which included a generous sampling of blithe duets by Mendelssohn and a clutch of headier selections by Schumann.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Winther, a tasteful folk-pop tenor with the range and discipline of a trained theater singer, offers a generous sampling of recent American theater music (some of it from works in progress) in a sophisticated post-Sondheim mode.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"You'll never get a sweet beer out of me, unless it's a mistake" he growled, pouring a generous sample of his brown ale.

The New York Times

The only tune that interrupted the summer flow of Michael Jackson songs in my Brooklyn neighborhood — not far from where Jay-Z grew up — was "D.O.A.," a bit of a stylistic throwback, using a generous sample of an obscure 1970 rock record.

The New Yorker

"The Essential Goethe" includes a generous sample of his scientific writing, which reveals how much of Goethe's science was devoted to the idea of holism — the sense, more an intuition than a theory, that the universe is a living organism that develops and grows.

The New Yorker

A generous sample of the Thin White Major Tom at his most enigmatic is available at the ICA's Bowiefest, where highlights from his acting career – including The Man Who Fell To Earth, Labyrinth and Absolute Beginners – will be accompanied by DJ sets and Q&As featuring Jeremy Deller and former drummer Woody Woodmansey.

The Guardian - Film

Today, no reputable online compact disc store is without a generous sample of the musician's recordings, many of which appear to be no more than opportunistic compilations designed to cash in on the renewed popular interest in the musician since his death.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous sampling of" when you want to emphasize that the selection provided is ample and representative, giving a good overview of the whole.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous sampling of" when the selection is actually limited or unrepresentative. It implies a certain breadth and fairness that should be honestly reflected in the sample.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous sampling of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a substantial and representative selection. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to describe that the examples being given are a good representation of the whole.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous sampling of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a substantial and representative selection. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, and indicates that the selection offers a good overview of a larger whole. When using this phrase, ensure the sampling is genuinely representative and abundant to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like ""a substantial selection of"" or ""a wide assortment of"" to tailor the nuance to your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a representative selection of

Stresses that the sample accurately mirrors the larger whole.

a substantial selection of

Replaces "sampling" with "selection", emphasizing the act of choosing carefully.

a wide assortment of

Uses "assortment" to highlight the variety within the sample.

a rich collection of

Emphasizes the quality and abundance of the sampled items.

an extensive array of

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the sample.

a considerable range of

Highlights the breadth and scope of the items included.

a plentiful supply of

Indicates that there is more than enough of something to sample.

an ample demonstration of

Highlights the act of demonstrating or showcasing something, using a sample.

a broad overview of

Implies the sample gives a general understanding of a larger subject.

a significant portion of

Emphasizes that the sampled part is notably sized, coming from a larger total.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous sampling of" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous sampling of" to indicate that a collection offers a good representation of something larger, as in, "The museum provides a generous sampling of artifacts from the ancient world."

What are some alternatives to "a generous sampling of"?

Consider using alternatives like "a substantial selection of", "a wide assortment of", or "a rich collection of" depending on the specific context.

Is "a generous sample of" different from "a generous sampling of"?

"A generous sample of" refers to a single instance, while "a generous sampling of" refers to multiple instances that are intended to represent the whole. The phrase "a generous sampling of" suggests a more comprehensive and representative view.

When is it appropriate to use "a generous sampling of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that the provided selection is plentiful and gives a fair representation of the whole. For instance, "The book includes a generous sampling of the author's early works."