a sample of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sample of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount taken from a larger quantity or group, usually to represent the whole of the original group. Example: The researcher took a sample of fifty people from a population of ten thousand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A sample of what apparently bothers JW.

The New York Times

Here's a sample of the responses.

The New York Times

Here's a sample of guesses.

The Washington Post

Here is a sample of both kinds.

The New York Times

He gives a sample of the latter.

The New Yorker

Here is a sample of recent pronouncements.

The New York Times

Another disclaimer: I'm a sample of one.

MIT Technology Review

Based on a sample of the children.

The New York Times

Sexuality in a sample of polio survivors.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A decade ago, Penn State University researchers tested a sampling of 65+year-olds.

Huffington Post

Here is a sampling of readers' responses.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a sample of" with a concise description of what the sample represents. This helps the reader understand the context immediately.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based on "a sample of" data that is too small or not representative. This can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sample of" functions as a determiner phrase. It introduces a specific instance or selection from a larger group, meant to represent the characteristics of that group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sample of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a representative portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains. Its meaning centers on providing evidence or illustration, with formality varying by source. When writing, ensure your sample is indeed representative and avoid overgeneralizing from limited data. Considering alternatives like "an example of" or "an instance of" can help tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an instance of

Highlights that the example is a particular case or occurrence.

a selection of

Emphasizes choosing a subset from a larger group, rather than just any part.

an illustration of

Highlights the use of the example to clarify or explain something.

a demonstration of

Focuses on showing how something works or is done.

a representative of

Highlights that the example is typical and accurately reflects the whole.

a portion of

Implies a part or share of something.

a fragment of

Implies that the example is a small, broken-off piece of something larger.

an excerpt from

Specifically refers to a passage taken from a written work.

a glimpse of

Suggests a brief or partial view of something.

a bit of

Indicates a small quantity of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a sample of" to introduce a specific instance or selection taken from a larger group or quantity. For example, "Here's a sample of the data we collected."

What's a good alternative to "a sample of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an example of", "a selection of", or "an instance of".

Is it better to say "a sample of" or "an example of"?

"A sample of" is appropriate when you're presenting a subset meant to represent a larger whole, often in data or research. "An example of" is more general and can refer to any instance that illustrates a point.

When should I use "a sample of" instead of "some"?

Use "a sample of" when you want to emphasize that the portion you're presenting is specifically selected, often to be representative. "Some" is more general and doesn't imply representativeness.