Cool MatePattern vs Sample
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pattern
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Sample
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Pattern | Sample | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpætn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpætərn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsæmpl/"]/ |
| Meaning | A design or shape that repeats. | A small part of something used to show what the whole is like. |
| Example | The quilt has a beautiful floral pattern. | 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 | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | basic, existing, familiar, discern, identify, notice, develop, emerge, change, pattern for, pattern in, pattern of, intricate, abstract, geometric, have, form, produce, in a/the pattern, pattern on, pattern in | 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 | chaos, disorder, irregularity | whole, entirety |
| Common mistakes | 'Pattern' is sometimes confused with 'template'. A pattern is often repeated, while a template is a guide., Learners may use 'pattern' as a verb incorrectly. It is primarily a noun., Misplacing the plural form; 'patterns' not 'patternes'. | 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 'pattern' when discussing designs, behaviors, or regularities. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in very technical or scientific discussions where a more specific term may be 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: Pattern vs Sample
What's the difference between Pattern and Sample?
Pattern: A design or shape that repeats. Sample: A small part of something used to show what the whole is like.
Are Pattern and Sample the same CEFR level?
Pattern: A2, Sample: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Pattern and Sample interchangeably?
Not always. Pattern 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.