provide samples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide samples" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to give examples or specimens of something, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "Please provide samples of your previous work so we can assess your skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The managing agent will provide samples from numerous uniform companies.

The New York Times

However, the model ensemble could potentially be increased to provide samples of rarer events if needed.

Nature

All three were asked to provide samples that day, and the I.O.C. was told of the positive test results Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Washington has repeatedly asked the Russians to provide samples of the modified germ but Moscow has consistently delayed transfering the germ under an agreement to share strains.

The New York Times

Dentists provide samples to their patients; the British Dental Association insists on its patient website that flossing helps "in the battle against tooth decay and gum disease".

The Guardian

Because most vendors provide samples to taste, the markets offer opportunities to learn some fine points — the difference, for example, between a Seascape strawberry and an Albion strawberry.

The New York Times - Travel

A spokesman for Pfizer said that companies did not often provide samples of generic drugs because physicians already understand how the older drugs work.

The New York Times

A state judge ruled that one of two teenagers charged with killing two Dartmouth professors must provide samples of his hair, blood and handwriting to prosecutors.

The New York Times

Its funky four-bar kick-to-snare-drum solo featured on Ultimate Breaks & Beats, a series produced to provide samples for hip-hop and electronic artists.

The Guardian

Dr. Rene S. Hendriksen of Denmark persuaded the Nepalese to provide samples from their outbreak.

The New York Times

A fee may be charged for staff time to provide samples and help with extraction of materials.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting samples, be specific about the type and quantity needed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Please provide samples of your work in both digital and print formats."

Common error

Avoid using "provide samples" when simpler verbs like "give" or "offer" would suffice, especially in informal writing. For example, instead of "The store provides samples of cheese", consider "The store offers cheese samples."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide samples" functions as a verb phrase where "provide" is the verb, and "samples" is the direct object. It indicates the action of supplying or offering examples, often for evaluation or testing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide samples" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies the action of supplying examples or specimens. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is employed across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and business settings. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's essential to consider simpler alternatives like "give" or "offer" in more informal contexts. The phrase is highly versatile, lending itself to various specific usages that involve the transfer of physical specimens or concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer specimens

Replaces "provide" with "offer", slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of presenting something.

supply examples

Substitutes "samples" with "examples", focusing on illustrative instances rather than physical specimens.

submit specimens

Changes "provide" to "submit", implying a more formal process of delivering something for evaluation.

furnish samples

Replaces "provide" with "furnish", suggesting a more formal and complete offering.

give examples

Uses simpler vocabulary; "give" instead of "provide", making it more accessible and less formal.

present specimens

Emphasizes the act of showing or displaying samples, often in a formal setting.

offer a sample

More specific on singularity of the sample. Using 'a' indicates that a single sample is offered.

hand over samples

Implies a direct transfer of samples, often from one person to another.

share specimens

Suggests a collaborative aspect of providing samples, implying a mutual exchange.

make available samples

Emphasizes the act of ensuring samples are accessible for use or examination.

FAQs

How can I use "provide samples" in a sentence?

You can use "provide samples" when you want someone to give examples or specimens of something. For example, "The company will "offer samples" of its new product at the trade show."

What's the difference between "provide samples" and "give examples"?

"Provide samples" often implies a physical specimen, while "give examples" can refer to abstract instances or illustrations. The choice depends on whether you're dealing with tangible items or more general cases.

What can I say instead of "provide samples"?

Alternatives include "offer specimens", "supply examples", or "submit specimens", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "provide a sample" grammatically different from "provide samples"?

Yes, "provide a sample" refers to offering a single item, whereas "provide samples" indicates multiple items are being offered. The choice depends on whether you're giving one or more specimens.