a basket of

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "a basket of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a collection of items, for example "I filled a basket of apples from the farmer's market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IG9, which represents a basket of companies.

The New York Times

Sometimes a basket of fruit is added.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A basket of onion rings.

The New York Times

A basket of excellent sourdough rye bread.

The New York Times - Travel

She carried a basket of eggs.

The New Yorker

Breakfast is a basket of small cakes.

The Guardian - Travel

Ms. Essigmann then placed a basket of posies nearby.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A basket of warm pita triangles was a perfect accompaniment.

The New York Times

The first shows a  basket of pears, apples, and grapes.

Independent

Zoë Saldana has a basket of fried calamari.

The New York Times - Food

Fund of funds—Investing in a basket of hedge funds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basket of" to suggest a diverse or curated collection. It's often used for tangible items like fruits or baked goods, but can also apply to abstract concepts such as "a basket of measures".

Common error

Avoid using "a basket of" too metaphorically, especially when simpler alternatives like "collection of" or "range of" are clearer. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basket of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun phrase. It quantifies a collection of items, suggesting variety or a curated selection, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples such as "a basket of fruit" or "a basket of measures". Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct construct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basket of" is a versatile and common way to describe a collection of items, suitable for both tangible objects and abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it also finds use in academic and scientific writing. When using "a basket of", consider if a more specific term might be more appropriate, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Be mindful of the context and purpose to ensure you’re using the most effective language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of

Replaces "basket" with "collection", focusing on the act of gathering items.

an assortment of

Highlights the variety within the group, similar to the idea of a diverse basket.

a selection of

Emphasizes the act of choosing items, suggesting a curated group.

a group of

A more general term for a gathering, suitable when the specific container isn't important.

a set of

Suggests a complete or related collection, like a set of tools or dishes.

a range of

Highlights the spectrum or variety of items, focusing on diversity.

a compilation of

Implies a deliberate gathering of items, often with a specific purpose.

a cluster of

Suggests items grouped closely together, visually emphasizing their proximity.

a mixture of

Emphasizes the combined nature of different elements within the group.

a heap of

Implies a disorganized pile or accumulation, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a basket of" in a sentence?

You can use "a basket of" to describe a collection of items, such as "a basket of fruit", "a basket of options", or "a basket of measures". It suggests variety or a curated selection.

What phrases are similar to "a basket of"?

Similar phrases include "a collection of", "an assortment of", "a selection of", or "a group of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a basket of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a basket of" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a tangible collection or a set of related items. However, consider whether a more precise term like "portfolio" or "compilation" might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Can "a basket of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "a basket of" can be used metaphorically for abstract concepts, such as "a basket of indicators" or "a basket of solutions". However, ensure the metaphor is clear and effective, and avoid overuse.