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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a number of sample
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a number of sample" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "a number of samples"? You can use "a number of samples" when referring to multiple examples or instances of something, typically in a research or analytical context. Example: "In our study, we collected a number of samples to ensure the accuracy of our results."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
30 human-written examples
Estimates made for crops, livestock, and poultry are based on a number of sample surveys.
Academia
The rest of the chapter shows a number of sample end uses.
This chapter includes a number of sample research questionnaires completed for five airports.
News & Media
Children acquire the grammar of their native language without formal education simply by hearing a number of sample sentences.
The idea is simply to compute the irradiance at a number of sample points over the mesh with photon mapping or irradiance caching (we used photon mapping).
Academia
A number of sample designs have been fabricated using two popular AM technologies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
30 human-written examples
This sampling technique employs more than one stage and combines a number of sampling techniques.
Her doctors collected a number of samples, including cerebrospinal fluid from a lumbar puncture.
News & Media
Average spectra from a number of samples are presented.
A number of samples were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and stored for later processing for histological analysis.
Science & Research
However, more importantly, both mycobacterial pathogens (mixed infection) were identified in a number of samples.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use the plural form "samples" after "a number of" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "a number of samples" instead of "a number of sample."
Common error
Avoid using the singular form "sample" after the phrase "a number of". Always use the plural form "samples" to maintain grammatical accuracy. Failure to do so results in an ungrammatical sentence.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a number of sample" functions as a determiner followed by a noun. However, it's grammatically incorrect because "number of" requires a plural noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, the proper form includes the plural noun "samples".
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
25%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a number of sample" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "a number of "samples"", ensuring the noun is in its plural form. While the phrase appears across different contexts—including science, academia, and news—it's essential to maintain grammatical accuracy, especially in formal writing. Remember that using the correct plural form strengthens clarity and credibility. Several alternatives like "several samples" or "multiple samples" can be used for variety, but always ensure grammatical correctness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
several sample items
Replaces "a number of" with "several", emphasizing a small quantity of sample.
various sample cases
Uses "various" instead of "a number of", highlighting the diversity of sample cases.
multiple sample instances
Substitutes "a number of" with "multiple" and "sample" with "sample instances", stressing the replicated nature of the samples.
numerous sample examples
Replaces "a number of" with "numerous", indicating a high quantity, and adds "examples" for emphasis.
a few sample illustrations
Employs "a few" to suggest a smaller quantity and replaces "sample" with "illustrations", changing from concrete to visual aids.
a quantity of sample trials
Uses "a quantity of" to specify an amount and "trials" instead of sample.
some sample demonstrations
Replaces "a number of" with "some", implying an indefinite amount, and "sample" with "demonstrations".
a collection of sample exercises
Substitutes "a number of" with "a collection of" and "sample" with "exercises".
several demonstration samples
Uses "several" instead of "a number of" and inverts to "demonstration samples".
assorted sample prototypes
Replaces "a number of" with "assorted" and "sample" with "prototypes".
FAQs
How should I correctly use the phrase "a number of sample" in a sentence?
The grammatically correct phrase is "a number of "samples"". Ensure you use the plural form of "sample" for accurate grammar.
What is a better alternative to "a number of sample"?
Instead of "a number of sample", consider using phrases like "several samples", "multiple samples", or "various samples" for grammatical correctness and clarity.
Is "a number of sample" grammatically correct?
No, "a number of sample" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a number of "samples"". The noun following "a number of" should be in the plural form.
What is the difference between "a number of sample" and "a number of samples"?
"A number of sample" is grammatically incorrect. "A number of "samples"" is the correct form, where "samples" is the plural noun, indicating multiple instances or examples. As Ludwig AI clearly states, the first expression is incorrect.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested