Sample sentence vs. example sentence

[Torsten]

Hi, what is the difference between a sample sentence and an example sentence?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Mister Micawber]

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I think you could use either without raising eyebrows, but it would be the same as the difference between sample and example: an example is used to illustrate (exemplify) a particular point; it would more likely be constructed with that purpose, I think. A sample is just a (random) selection of a larger group (of examples, I suppose)-- anyway, it conveys a sense of being collected rather than created.

I doubt if many text writers pay any attention to the difference. Or this may be just my personal view.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber