the sample consists of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sample consists of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the composition of a group or subset of items or data. Example: The survey was conducted among 500 participants, and the sample consists of 250 males and 250 females.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sample consists of 10 U.S., 12 Japanese, and 10 European companies.

Harvard Business Review

The sample consists of primary and secondary school FL teachers, FL advisors, and school directors.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The sample consists of sixty-nine 11th grade students in two classes in a high school.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The sample consists of 100 mothers recruited in two teaching hospitals in Taiwan.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

The sample consists of an aqueous solution of polymer, solvent and drug.

Chemical Engineering Science

The sample consists of 10 nurses and 30 nonspeaking ICU patients in each phase (total n = 90 nurse patient dyads).

Contemporary Clinical Trials

The sample consists of 5,513 registered voters, 2,330 of whom (37% of the weighted sample of registered voters) identify as Republicans or as Republican-leaning Independents.

Yale University

The sample consists of 5.7-micron-radius polystyrene spheres suspended in a water-glycerol mixture.

Duke University

The sample consists of 1260 individuals who completed the Growth Mindset Scale on one of 5 surveys.

Duke University

The sample consists of 914 respondents who participated in the NIMH Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program at the North Carolina site.

Duke University

The sample consists of 3 Baltic economies over the 1993 2014 period.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the units or types of elements that make up the sample. For instance, clarify if the sample consists of "participants", "data points", or "materials".

Common error

Avoid using "the sample consists of" when you are only listing some, but not all, of the elements within the sample. If the list is incomplete, use phrases like "the sample includes" or "the sample features" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sample consists of" functions as a declarative statement to define the composition of a subject group or set. This sets the scope and parameters for subsequent analysis or discussion. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sample consists of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to define the composition of a group or set, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is particularly common in scientific and academic writing, where precise definitions are crucial. When using this phrase, ensure that you are providing a complete list of the elements within the sample. For more formal alternatives, consider phrases like "the sample comprises" or "the sample is composed of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sample is composed of

Changes the verb from "consists" to "is composed", offering a slightly more formal tone but retaining the core meaning.

the sample comprises

Uses "comprises", which is a more formal synonym for "consists of", emphasizing the elements that make up the whole.

the sample includes

Replaces "consists of" with "includes", suggesting that the listed items are part of a larger group or set.

the sample contains

Substitutes "consists of" with "contains", indicating the elements that are present within the sample.

the sample is made up of

Employs a more informal and descriptive construction using "made up of", highlighting the components of the sample.

the sample features

Uses "features" to highlight key aspects or elements within the sample.

the sample incorporates

Replaces "consists of" with "incorporates", suggesting an integration or inclusion of specific elements into the sample.

the sample is characterized by

Focuses on the defining attributes that make up the sample.

the sample embodies

Implies that the sample is a representation of certain qualities or characteristics.

the sample encompasses

Suggests that the sample covers or includes a wide range of elements or components.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the sample consists of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the sample comprises" or "the sample is composed of".

When is it appropriate to use "the sample consists of"?

Use "the sample consists of" when you want to provide a complete list of all the elements that make up a particular sample. It indicates that the listed items constitute the whole of the sample.

What is a less formal alternative to "the sample consists of"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could use phrases like "the sample includes" or "the sample is made up of".

How does "the sample consists of" differ from "the sample includes"?

"The sample consists of" implies a complete listing of all elements within the sample, whereas "the sample includes" suggests that there may be other elements not explicitly mentioned.