a limited sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a limited sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing research, data collection, or any situation where the sample size is not comprehensive or representative of a larger population. Example: "The results of the study should be interpreted with caution, as they are based on a limited sample of participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our study has several limitations including a limited sample size.

BMC Geriatrics

Limitations include a limited sample size, and the use of a cross-sectional sample, rather than a consecutive sample.

BMC Psychiatry

One limitation due to a limited sample size is that all the sample data come from one district or region.

Journal of Shipping and Trade

First, it should be noted that the Outcomes study has a limited sample size, which limits generalisability.

AIDS and Behavior

Our study has a number of limitations, primarily it has a limited sample size.

Critical Care

There's a limited sample size, but why aren't the shots falling?

The Washington Post

In a limited sample size, I declare that Iguodala is perfectly fine with being a Denver Nugget.

The Guardian - Sport

A snapshot survey of 5 Live by London's City University (albeit a limited sample, one day in July 2012) found 15 male voices to one female.

The Guardian

Conclusions based on such a limited sample could lead to bad decisions (and missed opportunities) around attracting, retaining, and developing millennial leaders in a global business environment.

Harvard Business Review

Results at the rural centers were disappointing, possibly because of transportation issues, limited cellular coverage, migration to other provinces, and a limited sample size.

MIT Technology Review

Another Google project, nicknamed GlassBox, is trying to stop software that learns from a limited sample of data from making what look to humans like simple, dumb mistakes.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research findings based on "a limited sample", always acknowledge this limitation upfront to manage expectations and maintain transparency.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping generalizations when your analysis is based on "a limited sample". Ensure your statements are appropriately qualified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a limited sample" functions as a modifier + noun, typically used to describe a data set or group that is not comprehensive or fully representative. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various writing scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a limited sample" is a phrase used to denote that a dataset or group under consideration is not fully representative or comprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various writing contexts. It's frequently found in scientific research and news reporting, but also appears in academia. When using this phrase, it's essential to acknowledge the constraint upfront and avoid overgeneralizing from the data. Related terms include "a small sample size" and "a restricted dataset".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small sample size

Emphasizes the size of the sample being small, highlighting the numerical aspect more directly.

a restricted dataset

Focuses on the dataset being restricted, implying limitations in its scope or availability.

a finite data set

Highlights that the dataset is not infinite or unlimited, emphasizing its boundaries.

a narrow selection

Suggests that the selection is not broad or comprehensive, implying a limited range.

an unrepresentative subset

Implies the subset isn't representative of a larger group, adding the idea of bias.

a reduced pool

Focuses on the diminished quantity of elements available, implying that the number of elements/items is not big.

a concise collection

Highlights the fact that collection of elements is small and brief, implying that the number of elements/items is limited.

a marginal segment

Focuses on the segment is small or not significant, implying that the number of elements/items is a few.

a selective assortment

Suggests the items included in the assortment have been picked with a particular criterion, implying that this selection is restricted.

a snapshot survey

Highlights the characteristic of the sample of being very short in time, implying an examination of current condition

FAQs

How can I use "a limited sample" in a sentence?

You can use "a limited sample" to describe a situation where the data or participants are not representative of the larger population, such as: "The study's conclusions are tentative due to "a limited sample" size".

What are some alternatives to saying "a limited sample"?

Alternatives include "a small sample size", "a restricted dataset", or "a finite data set". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when a study mentions "a limited sample"?

It means the study's findings might not be generalizable to a larger population due to the small or unrepresentative nature of the group studied. This limitation should be considered when interpreting the results.

Is it acceptable to draw conclusions from "a limited sample"?

While it's possible to draw preliminary conclusions, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations and avoid making definitive statements. Further research with a larger, more representative sample is often needed.