Extract vs Sample

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Extract

Top 2,000 (common) B2 noun

Sample

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 noun

Most common: Sample

	Extract	Sample
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ɪkˈstrækt// 🇺🇸 //ɪkˈstrækt//	🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɑːmpl/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈsæmpl/"]/
Meaning	To take something out from a place.	A small part of something used to show what the whole is like.
Example	The extract from the plant has many medicinal properties.	He provided a sample of the product for us to test.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	B2	B1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	plant extract, vanilla extract, medical extract	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	insert, add	whole, entirety
Common mistakes	Confusing with 'extra' as they sound similar., Using 'extract' as a verb improperly, like 'extracts of water' instead of 'extraction of water'.	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	Primarily used in academic and technical contexts, such as chemistry or literature. Avoid in casual conversation.	Used in scientific, business, and educational contexts when referring to testing or showing examples. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing products or experiences.

See it in real clips

They're trying to extract a number from your subconscious.

Extract

This is an audio sample. If he talks within range of any phone in the city...

and hat cases and sample cases.

This is an audio sample. If he talks within range of any phone in the city...

and hat cases and sample cases.

Sample

Frequently asked questions: Extract vs Sample

What's the difference between Extract and Sample?

Extract: To take something out from a place. Sample: A small part of something used to show what the whole is like.

Which is more common: Extract and Sample?

Sample is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Extract and Sample?

Extract is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Extract and Sample the same CEFR level?

Extract: B2, Sample: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Extract and Sample?

Extract: noun, Sample: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Extract: The extract from the plant has many medicinal properties. Sample: He provided a sample of the product for us to test.

Can I use Extract and Sample interchangeably?

Not always. Extract 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.