sample of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sample of" is correct and used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a portion or example of something larger. For example: "I provided a sample of my work to demonstrate my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A sample of what apparently bothers JW.

The New York Times

Here's a sample of the responses.

The New York Times

Here is a sample of both kinds.

The New York Times

It examined a large sample of corporations.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was no representative sample of youth.

The New York Times

He gives a sample of the latter.

The New Yorker

Here is a sample of recent pronouncements.

The New York Times

This is just a sample of some particularly memorable encounters.

The Guardian

Your sample of rhodium is mixed in with junk metal.

The New York Times - Magazine

This, sadly, is not an unrepresentative sample of Wenzel's prose.

The New York Times - Books

Following is a sample of dialogue from the season opener.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sample of", ensure the sample is representative of the larger group or population you are referring to. Avoid biased samples that could lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations based on a small or unrepresentative "sample of" something. Ensure your sample size is adequate to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sample of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase. Its primary grammatical role is to specify a subset or representative part of a larger entity. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sample of" is a correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a representative part of a larger whole. According to Ludwig's AI, its use is grammatically sound. With a "very common" frequency, it's found predominantly in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When employing "sample of", ensure the chosen sample accurately reflects the larger population to avoid skewed interpretations. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives such as "example of" or "instance of", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

example of

This alternative suggests a specific instance used to illustrate a general principle or category. Emphasizes representativeness.

instance of

Similar to "example of", but focuses on a particular occurrence, highlighting its individuality within a broader context.

sampling of

Offers a more general approach, and includes more than one sample

specimen of

This option implies a carefully selected item, often for scientific or detailed examination, adding a layer of scrutiny.

excerpt from

Used when referring to a segment taken from a written work or speech, focusing on extracting a portion of the whole.

selection from

Implies a deliberate choice of one or more items from a larger group, suggesting curation or preference.

demonstration of

Highlights how something showcases a particular quality or capability, emphasizing its illustrative function.

illustration of

Focuses on clarifying or making something easier to understand, often through a visual or concrete representation.

taste of

Referring to a brief experience of something, this alternative is suitable when talking about experiences.

preview of

Implies a sneak peek or initial glimpse of something that is yet to be fully released or experienced.

FAQs

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

You can use "sample of" to refer to a portion or example of something larger, such as "Here is a "sample of" my writing" or "This is a "sample of" the data we collected".

What can I say instead of "sample of"?

You can use alternatives like "example of", "instance of", or "excerpt from" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "sample of" or "example of"?

Both "sample of" and "example of" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Sample of" implies a subset meant to represent a larger whole, while "example of" indicates a specific case used to illustrate a general principle.

What's the difference between "sample of" and "kind of"?

"Sample of" refers to a part that represents a whole, while "kind of" indicates a category or type. For instance, "This is a "sample of" my work" showcases a part of your portfolio, whereas "This is "kind of" interesting" describes a category of interest.