a representative sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research or statistical contexts to refer to a subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the whole population. Example: "In order to draw valid conclusions from the study, we ensured that we collected a representative sample of participants from various demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It would also represent the will of actual voters rather than a representative sample of the population.

The New York Times

Just 15% said polls relied upon a representative sample, while 37% mentioned some sort of interviewing without mentioning representativeness.

Huffington Post

Instead, bond index managers buy a representative sample.

The New York Times

This is not a representative sample of typical practising Christians.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will give a representative sample of veterans' memories.

Independent

Here's a representative sample off the top of my head.

The New York Times

The test was taken by a representative sample of 8,000 students in 40 states.

The New York Times

Ipsos Mori interviewed a representative sample of 1,019 adults aged 15-plus across Britain.

The Guardian

If "everyone" = a representative sample of the total zoo, which rides with us now full time.

The New Yorker

"This is not polling people who are illiterate – it's a representative sample.

The Guardian - Books

OK, if you took a representative sample, what things were disproportionately prevalent?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conducting research, ensure your "a representative sample" adequately reflects the population you're studying to avoid biased results.

Common error

Avoid assuming your sample is "a representative sample" without statistical validation. Always verify that the demographics and characteristics of your sample align with the broader population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative sample" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It signifies a subset of a larger population chosen to accurately reflect the characteristics of the whole, crucial in research and statistical analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a representative sample" is a frequently used noun phrase denoting a subset that accurately mirrors a larger population, essential for reliable research and analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. To ensure accurate and unbiased results, always verify that the demographics and characteristics of your sample align with the broader population. Consider alternatives like "a typical subset" or "a balanced cross section" to add variety to your writing while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a statistically valid sample

Highlights statistical accuracy and validity in the sample selection.

a balanced cross-section

Emphasizes the inclusion of diverse elements to ensure fairness and proportionality in the representation.

a typical subset

Replaces "representative" with "typical", focusing on the common characteristics of the subset.

a proportional segment

Highlights the fact that a part is proportionally related to a whole.

a characteristic selection

Substitutes "sample" with "selection", highlighting the act of choosing something that is typical.

a fair depiction

Stresses impartiality and accuracy in how the sample reflects the broader group.

an illustrative segment

Focuses on how the sample serves to demonstrate or explain the larger whole.

a selective excerpt

Implies a careful choice of a small portion that captures the essence of the whole.

a telling instance

Replaces "sample" focusing on the significance and informativeness of the chosen instance.

a microcosm

Uses a term that denotes a small world containing all the features of a larger one.

FAQs

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

Use "a representative sample" when you want to indicate that a smaller group accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger population. For example, "The pollsters used a representative sample to predict the election outcome".

What are some alternatives to using "a representative sample"?

You can use alternatives such as "a typical subset", "a balanced cross section", or "a statistically valid sample" depending on the context.

What makes a sample "a representative sample"?

A sample is considered "a representative sample" when its characteristics (such as demographics, opinions, or traits) accurately mirror those of the larger population from which it is drawn. This ensures that findings from the sample can be generalized to the entire population.

Is it always necessary to use "a representative sample" in research?

While not always strictly necessary, using "a representative sample" is highly recommended in quantitative research where the goal is to make inferences about a population. Using a non-representative sample can introduce bias and limit the generalizability of the findings.