a rare sample of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare sample of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an uncommon or unique example of something, often in scientific, artistic, or collectible contexts. Example: "The museum displayed a rare sample of ancient pottery that had been unearthed during the excavation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Special reserve: Shown above is a rare sample of ethanol created from wood chips using a new process.

MIT Technology Review

Extensive invoices and checkbook stubs provide a rare sample of the nuts and bolts operation of a textile mill during its early years as well as filling some bookkeeping gaps.

Duke University

(2011) also included a rare sample of right-handed individuals with right-hemisphere language organization.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Would he object to my exhuming, and examining, this rare sample of his "sputum"?

The New Yorker

Jones et al. tried to optimize a protocol for deriving reproducible and representative gene expression profiles by microarrays from very rare samples of human oocytes, available for research purposes [ 22].

BioMed Research International

However, further studies would be required in order to increase the number of these rare samples of LMP presenting invasive implants.

BMC Cancer

This should prove useful for high throughput sequencing from small or rare samples of cells, or from DNA enrichment techniques that are particularly low-yielding.

BMC Genomics

The current study shows that in a rare neurological sample, processing of the same visual stimulus can be associated with different phenomenal experiences of affect despite similar somatic responses, and thereby provides important insights into human emotion.

Brain

Ursino will join the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, where her postdoctoral research will bring together a rare set of samples collected in Argentina with cutting-edge genetic techniques.

Princeton University

Laboratory data from a rare set of samples collected during the 1920s from foundation borings for the Cleveland Union Terminal and Eagle Avenue Bridge provide new information about Late Quaternary stratigraphy beneath Cleveland, Ohio, on the south shore of Lake Erie.

Journal of Great Lakes Research

That's according to my tasting notes, after sampling a rare stash of pre-Prohibition rye under the tutelage of Bruce Joseph, the master distiller at Anchor Distilling in San Francisco.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rare sample of", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the sample is considered rare. Providing specific details or comparisons can strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare sample of" if the item is merely uncommon or unusual rather than genuinely rare. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare sample of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a noun. It highlights the unique or uncommon nature of the sample being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare sample of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a unique or uncommon instance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, showing examples across science, news, and academic sources. While not exceedingly frequent, its usage is appropriate for highlighting distinctiveness. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the item's rarity to maximize impact. Alternatives such as "an uncommon example of" or "a unique instance of" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncommon example of

Replaces 'rare' with 'uncommon' offering a less dramatic sense of infrequency.

a unique instance of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the sample, suggesting it's one-of-a-kind.

an exceptional specimen of

Highlights the superior quality or unusual nature of the sample.

a scarce illustration of

Focuses on the limited availability or infrequent occurrence of the sample.

a distinctive element of

Shifts the focus to the sample as a notable component within a broader context.

an infrequent case of

Emphasizes the low frequency of the event or item being sampled.

a singular demonstration of

Highlights the sample as a clear and isolated presentation of a particular quality or phenomenon.

an odd occurrence of

Draws attention to the strange or unusual nature of the sample.

a limited selection of

Focuses on the restricted quantity or availability of similar samples.

an atypical representation of

Emphasizes the sample's divergence from typical or expected examples.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a rare sample of" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a rare sample of", provide context that clarifies the rarity. For instance, mention specific characteristics or compare it to more common examples. This helps emphasize the uniqueness and significance of the sample.

What are some alternatives to "a rare sample of"?

Alternatives include "an uncommon example of", "a unique instance of", or "an exceptional specimen of depending" on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a rare sample of" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a rare sample of" tends to be more suitable for formal or scientific writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "an unusual example" or "a unique case".

What makes "a rare sample of" different from "a typical sample of"?

"A rare sample of" indicates that the example is uncommon and possibly unique, whereas "a typical sample of" suggests that the example is representative and commonly found. The key difference lies in the frequency and representativeness of the sample.