serve as a sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that acts as an example or representation of a larger group or category. Example: "The data collected from this experiment will serve as a sample for our future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It can serve as a sample for future VJCS issues in terms of qualify and standard.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

One-dimensional nanocrystal, for instance, a NW can serve as a sample for studying the low-dimensional phenomena and is potentially a building block for the complex nanodevices.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Combining CIREN and NASS-CDS in this manner takes advantage of the increased sample size when outcomes are available in both datasets; otherwise NASS-CDS can serve as a sample of controls to be combined with CIREN cases, possibly under a sensitivity analysis that includes and excludes NASS-CDS subjects whose status as a control is uncertain.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

However, it can also serve as a sample preparation module where the collected fractions are ported off the main channel with orthogonal side channels.

The Analyst

All MICA study participants were asked to bring in a used vacuum cleaner bag to serve as a sample of dust from the home environment.

BMC Public Health

Tissue of a tomato was homogenized using the protocol described in a previous study to serve as a sample for quantitative analysis.

Analytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In principle, the population register can serve as a sampling frame in both countries.

Comparative Migration Studies

The eventual ellipsoid will serve as a sampling profile for processing the individual intervals with an asymmetric gaussian count profile.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Oral swab samples were analyzed by qRT-PCR targeting the EBOV nucleoprotein gene; 18s ribosomal RNA levels were also analyzed to serve as a sampling control.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

A large Dewar (inner diameter: 150 mm; inner height: 400 mm) serves as a sample chamber.

Earth, Planets and Space

The first 18 d served as an adaptation period, and the last 3 d served as a sample collection period.

Journal of Dairy Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a sample", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sample is representative of. The connection between the sample and the broader population or category should be evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on a sample that "serve as a sample" if it isn't truly representative. Make sure to acknowledge any limitations in the sample's scope or potential biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a sample" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun that renames or identifies it. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression denotes that the subject acts as an exemplar or representative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as a sample" is grammatically correct and functions to designate something as representative of a larger group, predominantly in scientific and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and effective in conveying the role of an example or specimen. To ensure clarity, specify what the sample represents and avoid overgeneralizing from limited data. Alternatives like "function as an illustration" or "act as a model" may be suitable depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function as an illustration

Replaces "sample" with "illustration", emphasizing the illustrative quality of the example.

act as a model

Substitutes "serve" with "act" and "sample" with "model", highlighting the use as something to be imitated.

represent as a specimen

Replaces "serve as" with "represent" and "sample" with "specimen", focusing on the representative nature of something for examination.

work as a prototype

Uses "prototype" instead of "sample", emphasizing an early version used for testing.

offer as an exemplar

Replaces "serve as" with "offer" and "sample" with "exemplar", suggesting a high-quality, typical instance.

stand as a demonstration

Changes "serve" to "stand" and "sample" to "demonstration", underscoring the act of showing or proving.

be used as an instance

Rephrases to focus on the act of being used as a particular example.

act as a token

Replace the term of "sample" with "token", which focus on the representative nature of something.

provide as evidence

Shifts the focus to offering the sample as proof or support.

exemplify

A single-word alternative that means 'to be a typical example of'.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a sample" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as a sample" to indicate that something is being used as an example or a representative of a larger group. For example, "This study will "serve as a sample" for future research on similar topics."

What is a good alternative to "serve as a sample"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "act as a model", "function as an illustration", or "represent as a specimen" as alternatives to "serve as a sample".

Is it correct to say something "serve as a sample" or "serves as a sample"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "serve as a sample" with plural subjects (e.g., "These findings serve as a sample"). Use "serves as a sample" with singular subjects (e.g., "This study serves as a sample").

How does "serve as a sample" differ from "serve as a specimen"?

"Serve as a sample" implies representation of a larger group, while "serve as a specimen" usually refers to a specific item used for detailed examination or analysis. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize representativeness or detailed study.