sample
sample — adjective
1. used to describe something that is taken from a larger group to show what the wh
used to describe something that is taken from a larger group to show what the whole group or category is like
The store offered sample bottles of the new perfume for customers to try at home.
sample + noun (attributive use)
Ziad looked at a sample chapter online before deciding to buy the textbook.
The teacher handed out sample questions to help the class prepare for the exam.
A sample copy of the report was sent to the manager for review.
The software company offers a sample version of its program for free download.
- trial
often implies a limited, introductory version; 'trial size' = smaller than a 'sample size'
- demonstration
focuses on showing how something works rather than just representing it
文法句型
sample + noun
用法筆記
Attributive only — this sense always appears before a noun (sample chapter, sample size, sample question). Unlike the noun form, it cannot be used predicatively.
常見錯誤
sample — noun
1. a tiny portion of a product or substance that businesses give or show to people,
a tiny portion of a product or substance that businesses give or show to people, allowing them to see what the full-sized version is like before buying or using it
The perfume shop gave Nadia a free sample to try before buying the full bottle.
sample of [product]; free sample
Haruto tried a small sample of the cheese before deciding to order a whole wheel.
The magazine arrived with a sample of the new face cream attached to the cover.
Visitors to the market were offered free samples of fresh bread and olive oil.
The decorator brought sample pots of paint for the owners to see.
文法句型
sample of + noun
用法筆記
Often used in retail contexts. Free samples are small amounts given at no cost to encourage people to buy the full product.
常見錯誤
2. a tiny portion of blood, urine, tissue, or other material that is taken from a p
a tiny portion of blood, urine, tissue, or other material that is taken from a person, animal, or environment so it can be tested in a laboratory
The nurse took a blood sample from Charlotte's arm and sent it to the lab.
blood sample — medical collocation
Adisa collected water samples from three different points along the river for the pollution study.
The doctor asked for a urine sample to check for signs of infection.
Soil samples from the farmland were tested for levels of lead and other metals.
Vikram wore gloves while handling the tissue sample to avoid contamination.
文法句型
[body fluid/tissue] sample
用法筆記
Common in medical and environmental contexts. The sample is usually analysed in a laboratory. In medical settings, 'specimen' is often used interchangeably but sounds more clinical.
常見錯誤
3. a selection of people or items picked from a wider population to participate in
a selection of people or items picked from a wider population to participate in research, an opinion poll, or an experiment, so that what is learned can be applied to the whole
The study surveyed a sample of 500 students from high schools across the country.
sample of [number] [people] — typical survey phrasing
Vikram's research included a sample of both teachers and parents to compare their views.
A random sample of city households was chosen to test the new recycling program.
The poll used a representative sample of adults aged 18 to 65 from five different regions.
For the experiment, the scientists selected a sample of fifty plants from the same species.
- cross-section
emphasises that the group includes a variety of different types of people
- sampling
refers to the process of selecting a sample, not the group itself
- population
the entire group that the sample is taken from
文法句型
sample of + plural noun
用法筆記
In academic and statistical writing, a sample must be carefully chosen to represent the larger population. Common methods include random sampling and stratified sampling. The results from a sample are called 'sample data'.
常見錯誤
4. a short recorded piece of music or sound taken from an existing song and used as
a short recorded piece of music or sound taken from an existing song and used as part of a new musical composition or recording
The drummer's new track uses a sample from an old jazz record recorded in 1962.
sample from [source]
Élise created her beat by looping a vocal sample taken from a classic soul song.
The producer cleared the rights to use a sample of the original guitar riff.
Many hip-hop songs build their beats around short samples from older funk records.
The band removed a sample from their album because they could not get permission.
文法句型
sample from + noun
sample of + noun
用法筆記
Using a sample from a copyrighted song without permission is illegal. Producers must 'clear' samples by obtaining a license from the copyright holder.
常見錯誤
sample — verb
1. to put a tiny amount of something edible into your mouth to test its flavour bef
to put a tiny amount of something edible into your mouth to test its flavour before deciding whether to have more
Walid sampled the soup to see if it needed more salt before serving it.
sample + [food/drink] to test flavour
Visitors can sample different kinds of tea at the shop before buying any.
The chef asked the staff to sample the sauce and tell her what they thought.
Nadia sampled three different kinds of cheese at the market stall.
Before buying the wine, Hamza sampled a small glass to check its taste.
文法句型
sample + noun (food/drink)
用法筆記
Often used in retail or hospitality contexts where customers try products. More specific than 'taste' — 'sample' implies the purpose is to evaluate a small portion before purchasing.
常見錯誤
2. to try a new activity, place, or way of living for a short period in order to fi
to try a new activity, place, or way of living for a short period in order to find out what it feels like
Gabriela decided to sample life in a small mountain town for a month.
sample + life in [place]
The group sampled several different sports during their week at the summer camp.
Charlotte sampled the local nightlife by visiting bars and clubs in the old quarter.
Students can sample different courses in their first year before choosing a major subject.
Eve sampled the local culture by taking cooking classes and visiting museums.
- experience
broader; can describe any encounter, not necessarily a short trial
- try out
more informal; often used for testing a skill or activity
文法句型
sample + noun (activity/place/life)
用法筆記
This sense is metaphorical — it extends the idea of tasting food to experiencing a new situation. The experience is usually brief and exploratory. Common objects: 'life', 'culture', 'nightlife', 'cuisine', 'activities'.
常見錯誤
3. to take a short piece of music or sound from an existing recording and incorpora
to take a short piece of music or sound from an existing recording and incorporate it into a new musical work
Eli sampled a horn section from a classic funk song for his new track.
sample [element] from [source song]
Hamza sampled an old blues guitar riff and turned it into a modern electronic beat.
The producer was sued because he sampled a famous melody without asking for permission first.
Many modern pop songs sample drum breaks from records made in the 1970s.
Ziad learned how to sample vinyl records using a computer and a turntable.
文法句型
sample + noun (musical element) + from + noun (source)
用法筆記
Most common in electronic music, hip-hop, and pop production. Legal permission (clearance) is required to use a sample from a commercially released recording.
常見錯誤
4. to collect a small quantity of a solid, liquid, or gas from a larger body or are
to collect a small quantity of a solid, liquid, or gas from a larger body or area in order to test or study its properties
The research team sampled the soil at ten different spots around the old factory site.
sample [substance] at [locations]
Technicians sampled the air quality inside the factory building every hour during the test.
Vikram sampled the water from the lake to measure the level of pollution.
Workers sampled the bridge concrete to check if it was strong enough for traffic.
The geologists sampled rocks from the mountain to study their mineral content.
文法句型
sample + noun (material/environment)
用法筆記
Common in scientific research and quality control. The purpose is always analysis — finding out the chemical, physical, or biological properties of the material.