a specimen of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specimen of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a particular sample or example of something. Example: The museum displays a specimen of the rare butterfly species found only in this region. In this sentence, "a specimen of" is used to introduce and describe the specific example or sample of the butterfly species that is on display at the museum.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a specimen of managed democracy.

The Guardian

Built in the 1930s, this neo-Classical hall is a specimen of sorts.

The New York Times - Arts

It turns out treaty rights were never a specimen of the past.

The Guardian

Was this a specimen of local wit, or some deep secret of Southern cuisine?

The New York Times - Food

She is seen gracefully showing off the garlands looped round a specimen of vieux Saxe porcelain.

The Guardian - Books

She brings him a specimen of her work on a piece of soiled notebook paper.

The New Yorker

I've been given the chance to work on a specimen of an animal called Daspletosaurus.

The Guardian

Undaunted by this dramatic episode, Ditmars resolved to catch a specimen of his own, from the wild.

The Guardian

He is a specimen of human endurance, able to run a full ninety minutes at near-top speed.

The New Yorker

The terms of this picture aren't quite understood; it probably should be considered a specimen of updated Surrealism.

The New York Times

A specimen of Psychotria viridis, one of the two principal plants used in the preparation of ayahuasca.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In more informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "an example of" or "a sample of" for better readability.

Common error

Avoid using "a specimen of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "an example" or "a sample" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specimen of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It introduces a specific instance or example that represents a larger group or category. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating it is utilized to provide concrete examples, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specimen of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a representative example, particularly in formal and scientific writing. While Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, it's important to consider the context; simpler alternatives like "an example of" may be more suitable for informal settings. This phrase effectively provides clarity and specificity by grounding abstract concepts in tangible instances. Its frequent occurrence in science and news media highlights its value in analytical and descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an example of

Replaces 'specimen' with 'example', focusing on the representative nature.

a sample of

Emphasizes the representative subset taken for analysis or demonstration.

an instance of

Highlights a particular occurrence or event that exemplifies something.

a case of

Suggests a specific situation or occurrence that illustrates a broader trend or phenomenon.

an illustration of

Focuses on clarifying or demonstrating something through a particular example.

a demonstration of

Highlights the act of showing or proving something through a practical example.

a representation of

Emphasizes how something symbolizes or stands in for a larger group or concept.

a token of

Implies a symbolic or indicative instance representing a quality or feeling.

a manifestation of

Indicates how an abstract idea or concept becomes concrete and observable.

a harbinger of

Suggests that the specimen is a sign or precursor of something to come.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specimen of" to introduce a particular example or sample. For instance, "This fossil is "a specimen of" a previously unknown species".

What's a simpler alternative to "a specimen of"?

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

Is "a specimen of" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a specimen of" is more suited for formal or scientific writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "an example of" or "a sample of".

What does "a specimen of" emphasize?

The phrase "a specimen of" emphasizes that the item being described is a representative sample of a larger group or category, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.