a sample of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sample of the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a subset of something. For example, "I need a sample of the soil from the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's a sample of the responses.

The New York Times

He gives a sample of the latter.

The New Yorker

Based on a sample of the children.

The New York Times

For a sample of the impressive M.Eng.

Cornell University

A sample of the mineral herbertsmithite.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here is a sample of the old boy's prose.

The New York Times

We've included a sample of the male dogs' behaviour here.

The Guardian

"Rather uncanny!" A sample of the "Brrr-hm!" call.

The New Yorker

• For a sample of the Cobralingus project, go to Cobralingus.

The Guardian - Books

A sample of the output follows the script below.

Princeton University

Here's a sample of the press releases I've received in the last week or so.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sample of the" to introduce specific examples or data points that represent a larger set, ensuring the audience understands the connection between the sample and the overall context.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on "a sample of the" data without acknowledging the limitations of the sample size or potential biases. Ensure your analysis considers the representativeness of the sample.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sample of the" functions as a determiner phrase. It introduces a specific portion or subset taken from a larger entity. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to refer to a representative selection used for analysis or illustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sample of the" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a subset or example from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the sample is representative and the analysis is thorough to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "a selection of the" or "an illustration of the" can be considered for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A selection of the

Emphasizes a curated group, changing the focus from representativeness to choiceness.

Representative of the

Changes the phrase from a noun phrase to adjectival, focusing on typicality.

An illustration of the

Highlights the clarifying nature of the example, implying explanation.

A demonstration of the

Indicates a practical display, emphasizing the action or process being exemplified.

Illustrative of the

Changes from a noun phrase to adjectival, emphasizing the explanatory nature of the instance.

A portion of the

Focuses on a quantitative part, rather than a qualitative example.

A fragment of the

Suggests an incomplete piece, altering the implication of wholeness.

An excerpt from the

Implies a direct quotation or extracted text, narrowing the scope.

A glimpse of the

Conveys a brief or fleeting exposure, modifying the depth of understanding.

A taste of the

Metaphorically suggests a small experience, varying the sensory involvement.

FAQs

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

Use "a sample of the" to introduce a subset or example that represents a larger set. For instance, "A sample of the data was used to draw conclusions about the entire population".

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

Alternatives include "a selection of the", "an illustration of the", or "a demonstration of the", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sample of the" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sample of the" is suitable for formal writing, especially when presenting data or evidence. However, ensure the sample is representative and the analysis is thorough.

How do I avoid misusing "a sample of the"?

Avoid making overly broad generalizations from a small or biased sample. Always acknowledge the limitations of your sample and consider potential confounding factors.