Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
blank specimens
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "blank specimens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to specimens that are unmarked, unfilled, or without any specific information or content. Example: "The lab requires blank specimens for the initial testing phase to ensure accurate results."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Heritage Science
Forensic Toxicology
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Besides, logs installed as replacements during rehabilitation in 2002 were also tested and used as blank specimens.
Science
Topography of bare specimen, blank, specimens treated with 0.5 mM CPFASC and NPFASC in 1 M HCl for 24 h are given in Fig. 13a d, respectively.
When analyzing the topography of the metal specimens which were in contact with the organic molecules, it is understandable that the roughness parameters lie between the parameters of bare and blank specimens.
The LOQ (signal-to-noise ratio ≥10) was around 0.5 ng/ml or g.> -wrap-foot> aIf y equals 0, the pre-existing concentration (x) can be calculated as a minus value Because we employed the standard addition method for quantitation, without the use of blank specimens, it was impossible to present the usual accuracy and precision data.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
The roughness parameters for the bare metal specimen were very low due to the smoothness of the surface when compared to the blank specimen, which was in continuous reaction with the aggressive medium.
A weak peak appeared at 1471 cm−1 in the IR spectrum of surface products of blank specimen is due to the existence of ferroxyhite phase associated with the amorphous ferric oxide on the steel surface.
The paint film inoculated with Trychoderma pseudokoningii (see EO@Tp in Fig. 8b) presented a IR spectrum close to that of the blank specimen with maximum of α-helix conformation at 1648 cm−1 and β-sheet sub-band overlapped by the plateau appearing at 1595 1585 cm−1 ascribed to the carboxylate stretching band from verdigris and Cu-carboxylate complexes.
Science
Blank urine specimens spiked with TCA were used as external calibrations.
Limits of detection were calculated as three times the standard deviation of near-zero or blank quality control specimens.
The fracture mechanics specimens were blank hardened in order to have the core properties of the notched specimens.
Additionally, two wells were filled with blank alamarBlue solution (without specimens) and one well was filled with centrifuged bacteria from the planktonic inocula in alamarBlue solution to gain values for the maximal metabolic activity.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "blank specimens" in scientific writing, clearly define what constitutes a 'blank' in your specific context. This ensures readers understand the baseline or control condition you are referencing.
Common error
Avoid assuming that all readers will understand what constitutes a "blank specimen" in your field. Always provide a clear definition, especially when dealing with interdisciplinary audiences.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "blank specimens" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used in scientific and technical contexts. It identifies specimens that serve as a control or reference point in experiments, as seen in Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
12%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the term "blank specimens" is a noun phrase primarily used in scientific and technical fields to refer to control samples. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, with only a few examples found, its purpose is to provide a baseline for comparison in experiments. When using this phrase, it is crucial to define what constitutes a 'blank' in the specific context to ensure clarity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
control specimens
Focuses on the role of specimens as a baseline for comparison.
unprocessed samples
Highlights the lack of prior treatment or modification.
untreated specimens
Emphasizes the absence of any applied treatment or chemical interaction.
baseline samples
Implies specimens are used to establish a reference point.
virgin samples
Suggests the specimens are in their original, unaltered state.
pristine specimens
Conveys the idea of specimens being pure and untouched.
placebo specimens
Highlights the function as a placebo in experiments.
null specimens
Implies specimens that are expected to produce no effect.
clear specimens
Focuses on the optical clarity or lack of visual interference in the specimens.
empty specimens
Indicates specimens that are physically empty or contain nothing of interest.
FAQs
How are "blank specimens" used in scientific experiments?
"Blank specimens" are used as controls to establish a baseline, ensuring that observed effects are due to the experimental variable and not other factors. They help in calibrating instruments and accounting for background noise.
What's the difference between "blank specimens" and "control specimens"?
While often used interchangeably, "blank specimens" specifically refer to samples without the substance being tested, whereas "control specimens" might contain a known substance or condition for comparison.
What are some alternatives to using "blank specimens" in research?
Depending on the context, alternatives include using "untreated samples", "placebo specimens", or "baseline samples" as controls.
Why is it important to include "blank specimens" in analytical testing?
Including "blank specimens" helps to identify and correct for any contamination or background interference that may affect the accuracy of test results. This ensures the reliability and validity of the experimental data.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested