specimen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specimen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an example or sample of something, often in scientific or medical contexts. Example: "The scientist collected a specimen of the plant for further study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In August Nadir was convicted on 10 "specimen counts" of theft relating to £29m stolen in the late 1980s from the then FTSE 100 company he ran.

The Guardian - Business

And Shaw goes on to note that the ferocity of the wolf "is greatly mitigated by an early education; of which the individual specimen from which the present figure was taken, is a remarkable instance;" it had, he wrote, "been rendered in a great degree tame and gentle by the assiduity of the late Sir Ashton Lever".

The Guardian

There, in a footnote to the text, he notes that "a noble animal in a large glass case" had come up for sale in 1818, a specimen that claimed to be "the last Wolf killed in Scotland by Sir E. Cameron".

The Guardian

The book also includes the illustration of a lone wolf with an unhinged look and a hint of slaver round its chops, most likely based on the sole wolf specimen that he held in his collection.

The Guardian

And it is a specimen I fancy still survives.

The Guardian

One can only assume that, on the verge of bankruptcy and with no qualms about misleading a public who had failed to stump up the cash to save his life's collection, Donovan turned his specimen into "the last Wolf" in the hope of a few extra quid.

The Guardian

If I sound like a miserable specimen, there were upsides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These are the cookies that appeared in the July 9, 2008 edition of the New York Times: the very same cookies that set off an explosion of baking across the globe to see if, indeed, they are the perfect specimen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He fished out this specimen and realised its significance: he was holding the first piece of stainless steel the world had ever known.

The Guardian - Tech

But although the specimen was not all that Donovan made it out to be, it is one that still fascinates me, mixed up as it is with the wolf's myth and its demise.

The Guardian

Of course there is an extremely attractive male specimen who our Ali comes into contact with *sniggers*, and I feel the relationship between said specimen (his name is Cole and Alii can be described with the lyrics of Natalia Kills' song Problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specimen" in scientific or medical contexts, ensure the specific type of sample (e.g. blood specimen, tissue specimen) is clearly identified for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "specimen" in everyday conversation where simpler alternatives like "example" or "sample" would be more appropriate. "Specimen" often implies a scientific or formal context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "specimen" is as a noun. It typically serves to identify a sample or instance used for observation, study, or analysis. Ludwig shows examples of "specimen" used in various contexts, highlighting its role in providing concrete instances within broader categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specimen" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a sample or instance, often in scientific or formal contexts. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically sound and commonly used, with varied applications across domains like news, science, and business. While "sample" and "example" serve as viable alternatives, "specimen" adds a layer of formality and precision. It is important to be mindful of context to prevent overuse in casual settings. The term appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sample

Focuses on a part or quantity intended to show the quality, style, or nature of the whole.

example

Highlights something that serves as a typical instance or model.

instance

Emphasizes a particular occurrence or case of something.

representative

Suggests something that is typical or characteristic of a larger group.

exemplar

Implies a perfect or ideal example of something.

case

Refers to a specific situation or example under consideration.

unit

Emphasizes a single, individual entity within a larger group.

item

Highlights a particular object or thing being considered.

test subject

Specifically used in scientific or experimental contexts to refer to an individual or object being studied.

study participant

Used in research settings to denote someone involved in a study.

FAQs

How is "specimen" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "specimen" typically refers to a sample of something, such as a plant, animal, rock, or bodily fluid, collected for study or analysis. It is often used to describe something that represents a class or type.

What is the difference between a "specimen" and a sample?

While the terms are often interchangeable, "specimen" usually implies a more formal or scientific setting. A "sample" is a general term for a portion of something, while "specimen" often suggests a carefully collected sample for analysis.

Can I use "specimen" to refer to a person?

Yes, but it's less common. When referring to a person, "specimen" can describe an individual as an example of a particular type or quality. However, be cautious as it can sound clinical or even slightly dehumanizing in some contexts. Consider alternatives like "individual" or "example".

What are some alternatives to "specimen" in non-scientific writing?

In less formal contexts, you can use words like "example", "instance", "sample", or "representative". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.