a pair of samples

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pair of samples" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you mean two things taken as a pair or two examples of something. For example, "The researchers conducted tests on a pair of samples to determine the effectiveness of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In experiment 1, a pair of samples included audio textures synthesized with two different methods, based on the same original recording.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Each time a pair of samples was taken, the temperature and relative humidity probes were moved to monitor the next pair of beakers.

Geochemical Transactions

When both menisci were taken from the same joint (n = 3), they were considered as separate samples not as a pair of samples, unless indicated in the study.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

In experiment 2, a pair of samples included one audio texture synthesized using the proposed similarity-controlled segment shuffling and one real audio sample.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

To address this gap, we previously developed two N-of-1-pathways methods, Wilcoxon and Mahalanobis distance, to detect unidirectionally responsive transcripts within a pathway using a pair of samples from a single subject.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

For each measurement, a pair of samples with the same top layer was fixed on two sample holders (with a cross-section of 20 × 10 mm2 and gap in between 100 μm) [15, 16].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Lite (free on iPhone) offers definitions, a pair of sample quiz questions and signal flags, while You-Tack!

The New York Times - Tech

Reich had first used pre-recorded tapes alongside live instruments in his string quartet Different Trains, and in this portrait of urban life extended the idea to a chamber orchestra, this time storing the sound bites on a pair of sampling keyboards.

The Guardian - Music

A pair of sample Slinkset sites.

TechCrunch

The company just released a pair of sample videos, marking the first time anyone outside of SE has seen footage shot on this handset.

TechCrunch

Nokia's BH-604 Bluetooth stereo 'phones are two months from hitting the market, but CrunchGear was lucky enough to receive a pair of sample models.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental design, use "a pair of samples" to clearly indicate that two samples were specifically chosen or prepared for comparison or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of samples" when simply referring to multiple samples in general. Ensure the context implies a specific relationship or pairing between the two samples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of samples" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies two specific items being considered together. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of samples" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and technical contexts, to denote two specific items under consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal and professional communication and sets a clear context for analysis or comparison. While alternatives like "two samples" or "paired samples" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis on the relationship between the samples. Remember to use it when you really need to indicate a specific pairing between the samples to ensure a higher accuracy and reduce ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two samples

This is a more direct and simple way of saying the same thing; it lacks the emphasis on the pairing aspect.

a couple of samples

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal than "a pair of samples".

a set of two samples

More explicit about the quantity, but also more verbose.

paired samples

Focuses on the fact that the samples are related or meant to be compared.

dual samples

Highlights the duality of the samples, useful in specific contexts.

two specimens

Replaces "samples" with a synonym, appropriate in scientific or medical contexts.

a matching set of samples

Emphasizes that the samples belong together or are intended to be compared.

a brace of samples

An older, somewhat archaic term for a pair, less common in modern usage.

a duo of samples

A stylish but perhaps slightly unusual substitute for 'pair'.

duplicate samples

Implies the samples are copies of each other, not just a pair.

FAQs

How can I use "a pair of samples" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of samples" to describe two specimens or data sets that are being considered together. For example, "The study analyzed "a pair of samples" from each patient to compare treatment outcomes."

What are some alternatives to saying "a pair of samples"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "two samples", "a couple of samples", or "paired samples".

Is it more formal to say "a pair of samples" or "two samples"?

"A pair of samples" is generally considered slightly more formal than "two samples", but both are acceptable in most professional and academic contexts.

When should I use "paired samples" instead of "a pair of samples"?

Use "paired samples" when you want to emphasize that the two samples are related or dependent, such as when they come from the same source or are being compared directly.