as a representative sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a representative sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subset of a larger group that accurately reflects the characteristics of that group. Example: "The survey included 100 participants as a representative sample of the entire population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(b) Distribution of read-over-read quality using F2-1 as a representative sample.

Nature

Given the excellent performance, PSS-30IL-SO3H was chosen as a representative sample for further investigation.

Nature

(a) Base quality using Phred scores for the transcriptomic data using F2-1 as a representative sample.

Nature

Only about one-fourth of the letters were on view at the Rosenbach, although a spokeswoman for the museum described them as a representative sample.

The New York Times - Arts

I can say confidently that this is true, even if, obviously, I can't claim to have taken in enough work to qualify as a representative sample.

The New York Times

In the United States, a similar number of students from across the country were selected as a representative sample for the test.

The New York Times

As a representative sample among the synthesized porous solid solvents (PSSs), the PSS bearing imidazolium-type ionic liquid moieties (PSS-IL) is illustrated thoroughly.

Nature

The White House on Tuesday allowed Republican staff members to scan about a dozen of them, which it portrayed as a representative sample.

The New York Times

Participants: One hundred subjects were selected as a representative sample of never-injured adults from a comprehensive listing of the source population, and 93 participated.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The report analysed the main evening bulletins on BBC1, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and a 30-minute evening slot on Sky News, as well as a representative sample of pages from all the national daily newspapers.

The Guardian

It analysed the main evening bulletins on BBC1, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and a 30-minute evening slot on Sky News, as well as a representative sample of pages from all the national daily newspapers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a representative sample", ensure that the selection method is unbiased and clearly defined to support the claim that the sample accurately reflects the larger population. For example, you might describe your sampling strategy (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling) to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions from a sample that is not truly representative. If the sample is biased (e.g., convenience sampling, self-selection), acknowledge the limitations and refrain from making sweeping generalizations about the entire population. For instance, don't assume that the opinions of online survey respondents reflect those of the entire target demographic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a representative sample" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverbial phrase. It indicates the manner or condition in which something is chosen, considered, or presented. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a representative sample" is used to convey that a selected group accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger population. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including science, news, and business. To ensure clarity and accuracy, define the sampling method to support the claim of representativeness and avoid overgeneralizing from potentially biased samples. Use this phrase to enhance the credibility of your statements when drawing conclusions from a smaller group to a larger population.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a typical example

Replaces 'representative' with 'typical', focusing on the commonness of the sample.

as a characteristic instance

Substitutes 'representative' with 'characteristic' and 'sample' with 'instance', emphasizing the defining qualities of the selection.

as a fair cross-section

Uses 'fair cross-section' instead of 'representative sample', highlighting the impartiality and comprehensiveness of the selection.

as a model case

Replaces 'representative sample' with 'model case', suggesting the selection is an ideal example.

as a telling illustration

Emphasizes that the sample is revealing or informative about the larger group.

as an indicative selection

Uses 'indicative' to highlight that the sample serves to point to the features of a larger set.

as a snapshot

Uses 'snapshot' as a metaphor for a sample, suggesting it offers an immediate glimpse of a whole.

for illustrative purposes

Shifts the focus to the purpose of the sample being used for illustration.

in order to exemplify

Highlights the purpose of the sample, which is to exemplify or demonstrate a broader trend or pattern.

serving as a benchmark

Presents the sample as a standard against which others can be measured.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a representative sample" to indicate that a smaller group accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger population. For example, "The survey included participants chosen "as a representative sample" of the entire population".

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

Alternatives to "as a representative sample" include "as a typical example", "as a fair cross-section", or "as a model case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for a sample to be "representative"?

A representative sample is a subset of a larger population that accurately reflects the characteristics of that population. This means the sample should have similar proportions of key demographics and traits as the entire group. This helps ensure that findings from the sample can be generalized to the larger population with a reasonable degree of confidence.

How can I ensure my sample is "as a representative sample"?

To ensure your sample is "as a representative sample", use random sampling techniques, stratify the sample to match known population characteristics, and use a sufficiently large sample size. Avoid convenience sampling or other methods that may introduce bias.