a sample check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sample check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a check that is being used solely as an example or reference. For example, you could say, "I will need to use a sample check to show you how to fill out a deposit slip."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One page of the folder consisted of a sample check.

The New Yorker

For a sample, check out some AP US History notes or college essays.

Stanford University

The public was encouraged to take the folders home & study them & at least one person must have done so, for within a week, a sample check, torn from the folder & with the advertising on its back covered by pasted paper, had been cashed, cleared & returned to 1st Natl.

The New Yorker

Fig. 7 A sample check from the database of Arabic checks [13].

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

A sample check from the database is shown in Fig. 7.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The auditing process begins when the TPA generates a sample "check message" ′ C m  ′ against each provided service to the CU to confirm the provided service by the CSP.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The text from the two phases was coded into separate databases by the researcher and a sample checked by a second researcher.

BMC Public Health

For a rich sample, check out the alt.nanotech newsgroup, a bottomless well of blue-sky applications.

MIT Technology Review

UKBA carried out a further sample check of 600 overseas students at London Met, which found problems in 60% of cases, MPs were told.

The Guardian

For a small sample, check out Brave New Foundation's new site, Fighting For Our Homes, where you can see video of people doing just that.

Huffington Post

Full papers were assessed by two independent researchers (JB and DM, see acknowledgements) and a random sample checked by a third (CW, see acknowledgements) and the key features abstracted (see online supplementary table S1).

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sample check", ensure the context clearly indicates that the check is being used as an example or for testing purposes, not for actual financial transactions.

Common error

Avoid using "a sample check" in situations where a real, valid check is required. Clearly distinguish between example documents and operational financial instruments to prevent misunderstandings and potential fraud.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sample check" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of a check used for demonstration or testing, rather than actual financial transactions. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sample check" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a check that serves as an example or template, rather than for actual financial transactions. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently encountered in science, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid confusion with real financial instruments. Related terms include "a test run" and "a trial examination", offering similar meanings in different contexts. Understanding these nuances ensures precise communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a test run

Replaces "check" with a synonym emphasizing preliminary testing.

a trial examination

Substitutes "sample" with "trial" and "check" with "examination" for a more formal tone.

a preliminary verification

Uses synonyms to emphasize the initial and verificatory nature of the check.

an example inspection

Replaces "sample" with "example" and "check" with "inspection".

a specimen review

Substitutes "sample" with "specimen" and "check" with "review" suggesting a more detailed assessment.

a spot assessment

Replaces "sample" with "spot" indicating a random selection and "check" with "assessment".

a random audit

Replaces "sample" with "random" and "check" with "audit", implying a formal review.

a pilot investigation

Substitutes with synonyms to frame it as an initial exploratory activity.

a model verification

Uses "model" instead of "sample" to indicate a representative instance and "verification" in place of "check".

a prototype evaluation

Emphasizes the initial stage and detailed assessment through synonym replacement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sample check" to refer to an example of a check, such as "The bank provided "a sample check" to illustrate how to properly fill it out."

What's the difference between "a sample check" and "a real check"?

"A sample check" is a non-negotiable example used for illustrative purposes, while "a real check" is a legally binding financial instrument that can be used to transfer funds.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "a sample check"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a test run", "an example inspection" or "a trial examination".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a sample check"?

It's appropriate to use "a sample check" when demonstrating how to complete a check, illustrating security features, or for educational purposes where a real transaction is not intended.