representative samples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "representative samples" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a group of objects, people, or items that is taken from a larger population that accurately represents the characteristics of the entire group. For example: "We conducted a survey using representative samples of the population in our target area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Representative samples of the population are harder to come by.

The Economist

After this point members of the group stop being treated as representative samples of their sex or race or class.

The Guardian

Representative samples are shown in Figure 2.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Representative samples at 72 hpi were shown.

Protein & Cell

TEDS-M relied on nationally representative samples.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Figure 2 Pictures of some representative samples.

Heritage Science

Representative samples of plant material were collected from three varieties.

Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research

Clinical research depends on the participation of representative samples.

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Moreover, microstructural and mechanical properties of representative samples were studied.

Journal of Cultural Heritage

Figure 3 shows the flow curves of four representative samples.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Fig. 8. Temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility of representative samples.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "representative samples" to support claims or arguments with evidence that accurately reflects the population or subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using the term "representative samples" without explaining the methodology used to ensure that the samples truly reflect the characteristics of the larger population. Lack of justification undermines the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative samples" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of sample selected to mirror the characteristics of a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "representative samples" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase, primarily used in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it refers to a subset of a population carefully selected to mirror the characteristics of the larger group, ensuring the generalizability of findings. When using "representative samples", clearly justify the sampling methodology. Alternatives include "typical examples" or "indicative specimens", but these have nuanced differences. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's accuracy and broad applicability, making it a valuable tool for precise and credible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative subset

Synonymous but emphasizes that it's a subset chosen specifically for representativeness.

sample representation

Focuses on the action of 'representing' through the sample.

cross-section

Implies a 'cross-section' view that captures the diversity and proportions of the whole.

typical examples

Focuses on the 'typical' or most common instances rather than a statistically representative selection.

indicative specimens

Highlights the role of the samples as 'indicators' of broader trends or characteristics.

illustrative instances

Emphasizes the 'illustrative' nature, serving to clarify or demonstrate a point.

typical cross-section

Combines 'typical' and 'cross-section' for a blend of commonality and diversity.

selected excerpts

Refers specifically to 'excerpts' chosen to represent a larger body of text or work.

model samples

Suggests the samples serve as a 'model' for understanding the broader population.

benchmark specimens

Highlights the samples as 'benchmarks' for comparison or evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "representative samples" to refer to a subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the whole. For example, "The study used "representative samples" from various regions to ensure the findings were generalizable."

What are some alternatives to using "representative samples"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "typical examples", "indicative specimens", or "representative subset".

What makes a sample "representative"?

A sample is considered "representative" if it accurately reflects the characteristics (e.g., demographics, opinions, traits) of the larger population from which it is drawn. This is typically achieved through random sampling or stratified sampling techniques.

Why is it important to use "representative samples" in research?

Using "representative samples" is crucial for ensuring that research findings can be generalized to the broader population. If the sample is not representative, the results may be biased and not accurately reflect the true characteristics of the population.