Cool MateExample vs Sample
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Example
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Sample
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Example | Sample | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmpl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsæmpl/"]/ |
| Meaning | A sample or model of something to show how it works. | A small part of something used to show what the whole is like. |
| Example | Please follow this example to complete your assignment. | He provided a sample of the product for us to test. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody | large, small, total, draw, select, comprise something, consist of something, size, survey, group, sample from, sample of, blood, faecal/fecal, serum, collect, obtain, take, contain, show, sample of, free, book, sample of |
| Antonyms | counterexample, exception | whole, entirety |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exemplary', which means perfect or model., Using 'example' in plural without 'examples' when talking about multiple cases., Mispronouncing it as 'egg-zample' instead of 'ig-zample'. | Confusing 'sample' with 'exemplar' - they have different meanings., Using 'sampled' incorrectly as a verb form in past tense., Mixing up 'sample' as a noun and a verb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'example' when illustrating a point or providing a representation. It's suitable in most contexts, but avoid in very casual situations where simpler words may be more appropriate. | Used in scientific, business, and educational contexts when referring to testing or showing examples. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing products or experiences. |
Frequently asked questions: Example vs Sample
What's the difference between Example and Sample?
Example: A sample or model of something to show how it works. Sample: A small part of something used to show what the whole is like.
Are Example and Sample the same CEFR level?
Example: A1, Sample: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Example and Sample interchangeably?
Not always. Example and Sample are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.