samples were taken from

USAGE SUMMARY

"samples were taken from" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The scientist took multiple samples from the river in order to study the water chemistry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No DNA samples were taken from them.

The New York Times

Many of the samples were taken from juveniles.

The New York Times

Blood samples were taken from Johannesburg and Castle Gandolfo during their plane trip.

The New York Times - Sports

Two sperm samples were taken from Katie Eastburn's body with a vaginal swab.

The New Yorker

DNA samples were taken from Mr. Paul's father and two brothers.

The New York Times

A total of 53,973 samples were taken from children aged 10-17 in 2011.

The Guardian

Samples were taken from 186 fishermen.

Aquatic Procedia

Blood samples were taken from the ear.

EJNMMI Research

Samples were taken from three different soil depths.

Soil and Tillage Research

The bone samples were taken from patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Medical Engineering & Physics

Weekly milk samples were taken from all cows.

Livestock Production Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a research methodology, clearly specify the source and method of sample collection. For example, instead of just stating "samples were taken from the soil", specify "soil samples were taken from a depth of 10 cm using a core sampler".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the type of samples. Saying only "samples were taken" leaves the reader wondering what kind of samples you are referring to. Always clarify, e.g., "blood samples were taken", "water samples were taken", etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "samples were taken from" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that a sampling action occurred. It specifies the source from which the samples originated. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe research methodology or data collection processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "samples were taken from" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to describe the source of samples in various contexts, particularly in scientific and journalistic writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct and suitable for written English. The analysis reveals that while the phrase itself is straightforward, clarity and specificity are key when using it. Always specify the type of samples, the method of collection, and the context in which they were taken to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases offer alternatives for expressing the same idea, and understanding common errors can help refine your writing. In conclusion, this phrase is a reliable tool for describing sample origins, provided it is used with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specimens were obtained from

Replaces "samples" with "specimens" and "taken" with "obtained", emphasizing the collection aspect.

extracts were derived from

Uses "extracts" to specify the type of samples and "derived" to emphasize the origin.

materials were collected from

Substitutes "samples" with "materials" and "taken" with "collected", focusing on the gathering of physical substances.

segments were excised from

Emphasizes a cutting or removal process to obtain the samples.

portions were removed from

Highlights that only a part of something was taken for analysis.

selections were drawn from

Implies a careful choice of samples from a larger set.

subsets were acquired from

Indicates that the samples represent a smaller group within a larger population.

analytes were isolated from

Specifies that the samples are being separated for analysis of their individual components.

data was gathered from

Shifts the focus to information collected rather than physical samples.

measurements were recorded from

Focuses on the act of documenting data rather than the physical act of obtaining samples.

FAQs

How is "samples were taken from" used in research papers?

In research papers, "samples were taken from" is commonly used to describe the source of data or materials collected for analysis. For example, "Blood "samples were taken" from patients to measure glucose levels."

What are some alternatives to "samples were taken from"?

Alternatives include "specimens were obtained from", "extracts were derived from", or "materials were collected from", depending on the specific context and the nature of the samples.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing sample collection?

While passive voice ("samples were taken from") is common, using active voice (e.g., "we took samples from") can make your writing more direct and engaging, especially in sections like methods.

What details should I include when describing how "samples were taken from" a source?

Include specific information such as the type of sample, the method of collection, the location or source, and any relevant conditions or protocols followed during the sampling process.