The sample consisted of
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to precisely define the group of people or objects you analyzed in a formal report.
En 15 secondes
- Used to define a specific group in a study.
- Followed by numbers and descriptive categories.
- Essential for academic writing and professional reports.
Signification
This phrase is used to describe exactly who or what was included in a group you studied or tested. It is like listing the ingredients of a cake, but for a group of people or objects in a report.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Presenting a marketing survey
The sample consisted of 200 teenagers from urban areas.
The sample consisted of 200 teenagers from urban areas.
Writing a university psychology paper
The sample consisted of 45 undergraduate students who volunteered for the study.
The sample consisted of 45 undergraduate students who volunteered for the study.
Explaining a taste test at a food company
Our sample consisted of regular pizza eaters aged 18 to 35.
Our sample consisted of regular pizza eaters aged 18 to 35.
Contexte culturel
This expression is a cornerstone of the 'Evidence-Based' movement in Western culture, which emphasizes data over intuition. It became a standard academic requirement in the mid-20th century to ensure research could be replicated. Today, using it signals that you understand professional standards and objective reporting.
Always use 'of'
A common mistake is forgetting the word `of`. It is always `consisted of`, never just `consisted` followed by the group.
Don't use for small talk
If you use this while hanging out with friends, you will sound like you are reading a textbook. Stick to `There were...` or `We had...` in casual settings.
En 15 secondes
- Used to define a specific group in a study.
- Followed by numbers and descriptive categories.
- Essential for academic writing and professional reports.
What It Means
Think of the sample consisted of as your official guest list. In research, a 'sample' is just a small group that represents a bigger one. When you say it consisted of, you are telling your reader exactly who showed up. It is the 'who, what, and how many' of your project. It turns a vague idea into hard facts.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with numbers and categories. For example, The sample consisted of 50 local coffee drinkers. It is like a recipe for your data. You can list ages, locations, or even types of dogs. Just make sure you are describing a group you actually looked at. It sounds very smart and organized. Use it when you want to sound like an expert who did their homework.
When To Use It
Use this in any formal report or presentation. It is perfect for university essays or business market research. If you are explaining a survey to your boss, this is your best friend. It shows you are being precise. You can also use it in science projects. It works whenever you need to be specific about a group.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual dinner party. If you say, The sample of my friends consisted of three guys, people will think you are a robot. It is too stiff for texting your best friend. Avoid it in emotional or highly creative writing. It is a tool for facts, not for feelings. Don't use it if you are just guessing.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of the 'Scientific Method.' In Western academia, being transparent is a huge deal. If you don't describe your sample, people won't trust your results. It reflects a culture that values data and evidence. It has moved from science labs into business boardrooms. Now, it is the gold standard for professional reporting worldwide.
Common Variations
You might hear The participants included or The study group comprised. These are like cousins to our phrase. The participants included is a bit friendlier. The study group comprised is even more formal. If you are talking about things instead of people, you could say The data set consisted of. They all do the same job of defining your group.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level academic and professional expression. It requires the preposition `of` and is almost always used in the past tense when reporting results.
Always use 'of'
A common mistake is forgetting the word `of`. It is always `consisted of`, never just `consisted` followed by the group.
Don't use for small talk
If you use this while hanging out with friends, you will sound like you are reading a textbook. Stick to `There were...` or `We had...` in casual settings.
The 'Power' Phrase
Using this phrase in a meeting makes you sound more objective and less biased. It shifts the focus from your opinion to the actual data.
Exemples
6The sample consisted of 200 teenagers from urban areas.
The sample consisted of 200 teenagers from urban areas.
Clearly defines the demographic for a business audience.
The sample consisted of 45 undergraduate students who volunteered for the study.
The sample consisted of 45 undergraduate students who volunteered for the study.
Standard academic usage to show where data came from.
Our sample consisted of regular pizza eaters aged 18 to 35.
Our sample consisted of regular pizza eaters aged 18 to 35.
Focuses on the specific habits of the group.
My dating sample this year consisted of three ghosts and one guy who talked about his cat.
My dating sample this year consisted of three ghosts and one guy who talked about his cat.
Uses formal language for a funny, sarcastic effect.
The sample consisted of local residents who have lived here for over ten years.
The sample consisted of local residents who have lived here for over ten years.
Shows the group has deep roots in the community.
The sample consisted of patients who had not responded to previous treatments.
The sample consisted of patients who had not responded to previous treatments.
Highlights the specific medical condition of the group.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence for a business report about customer feedback.
The ___ consisted of 500 premium subscribers.
In a research context, 'sample' is the specific term for the group being studied.
Choose the correct verb to complete the formal expression.
The study group ___ of three different age brackets.
We use the past tense 'consisted' because the study has already been conducted.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Group Description
Talking to friends
It was just a bunch of...
General workplace talk
The group included...
Academic/Professional reports
The sample consisted of...
Where to use 'The sample consisted of'
University Thesis
Defining participants in a study.
Market Research
Explaining consumer demographics.
Scientific Journal
Listing chemical or biological subjects.
Sarcastic Joke
Analyzing your own life choices like a scientist.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn this context, a sample is a small group selected from a larger population to be tested or interviewed.
You can use it for both! For example, The sample consisted of 100 soil varieties.
Yes, they are very similar. Comprised is slightly more formal and does not use the word of (e.g., The sample comprised 50 adults).
Because you usually write the report after you have finished the research. You are describing what happened in the past.
Yes, The sample was... is correct but less precise. Consisted of sounds more professional and detailed.
Absolutely. It is a standard academic phrase used in all varieties of English worldwide.
The most common mistake is saying consisted by. Always use consisted of.
You can list one main group or several sub-groups. For example, The sample consisted of 20 men and 20 women.
In a report, no. In a casual conversation, yes. It is designed to be cold and factual.
Yes, if you are providing them with data or survey results, it is very appropriate.
Expressions liées
The study group included
A slightly less formal way to describe participants.
The demographics were
Focuses specifically on the characteristics (age, race, etc.) of the group.
The cohort was made up of
Often used in medical or long-term social studies.
A representative cross-section of
Emphasizes that the sample reflects the whole population.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement