a big variety

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big variety" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about a wide range of things, such as a restaurant's menu or a store's selection. For example, you could say "This store has a big variety of clothes to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Saint-Joseph is an appellation with a big variety of styles, but always with a strong character," he said.

The New York Times - Food

"My idea was to form a company of men with a big variety of backgrounds, not a common technique or experience," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Other orchestras also do it, no question, but I think we offered programmes which were able to make a strong statement: an entire cycle of Prokofiev symphonies in many places, lots of Shostakovich and a big variety of Stravinsky".

Independent

In the old days, a circus was a big variety show, made up of acts — the lion tamer, the fire-eater — m.c.'d by a ringmaster in a top hat, and presented munificently in three rings, so that you could choose what to look at.

The New Yorker

Like all visitors to this enchanted region, he will hear a big variety of sounds, human and animal.In one respect, every one of his Brazilian interlocutors will be singing the very same song: the Amazonian forest, by its existence, delivers great and desperately-needed benefits to the planet, not just by absorbing carbon and stimulating rainfall, but by maintaining biodiversity.

The Economist

Human blood contains a big variety of natural antibodies, circulating throughout life at constant concentration.

Molecular Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There's a bigger variety in the women's peloton than the men.

The Guardian - Sport

The new building, Switch House, aims to break that sensation with a bigger variety of spaces.

The Guardian - Arts

Cynthia Stevens, a purchasing agent from Crown Heights, said she seldom came to the mall because she preferred a bigger variety of stores.

The New York Times

We need a bigger variety of fiction, modern and classics that have themes that can be translated and can be relevant to teenagers today on the curriculum.

The Guardian

Wal-Mart, however, has drawn its own group of supporters, including community leaders and members of the real estate community, who argue that a store would create jobs and provide a bigger variety of goods with lower prices in a neighborhood that could use both.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big variety", consider the context and choose more specific words if possible. For example, instead of saying "The store has a big variety of items", specify the categories: "The store has a wide selection of clothing, electronics, and home goods".

Common error

Avoid using "a big variety" in highly formal contexts, like academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "a wide range" or "a diverse array" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big variety" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is a commonly used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big variety" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a diverse collection or range of things. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in written English and is suitable for many contexts, particularly news, science, and general writing. While it may be wise to opt for more formal synonyms like "a wide range" or "a diverse array" in highly formal settings, "a big variety" serves as a clear and effective way to communicate the presence of many different types or kinds. As the examples show, this phrase is a practical way to emphasize diversity across various applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide assortment

Emphasizes the diverse collection of items or options available.

a diverse range

Highlights the varied nature and scope of something.

an extensive selection

Focuses on the breadth and comprehensiveness of the available choices.

a broad spectrum

Suggests a full range of possibilities or viewpoints.

a rich array

Implies a plentiful and impressive collection.

a considerable diversity

Underscores the significant degree of variation present.

a vast assortment

Highlights the large and varied nature of the collection.

a great multiplicity

Emphasizes the numerous and diverse elements involved.

a substantial mix

Focuses on a notable combination of different elements.

an ample assortment

Suggests that there's more than enough and its an assortment

FAQs

How can I use "a big variety" in a sentence?

You can use "a big variety" to describe a diverse collection of items, options, or styles. For example, "The restaurant offers "a big variety" of dishes" or "The store stocks "a big variety" of books".

What are some alternatives to "a big variety"?

Alternatives to "a big variety" include "a wide range", "a diverse selection", or "an extensive assortment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a large variety" or "a big variety"?

Both "a large variety" and "a big variety" are acceptable, but "a large variety" might be perceived as slightly more formal. "A big variety" is more common in informal contexts.

How does "a big variety" differ from "a wide variety"?

"A big variety" and "a wide variety" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "a wide variety" might subtly emphasize the breadth of the selection, while "a big variety" emphasizes the quantity or extent of the differences.