a catalog of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a catalog of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when describing a list or collection of items or information. Example: The library has a catalog of over 10,000 books.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avedisova, V. A catalog of star-forming regions in the galaxy.

Nature

In other words a catalog of horrors.

The New York Times

A catalog of instances is given.

The New Yorker

A catalog of maternal imperfections.

The New York Times - Books

(a) Catalog of Copyright Entries.

Stanford University

A catalog of "over one million titles".

The New York Times - Tech

A catalog of these samples is available.

Harvard University

Mathematical Models: A Catalog of Essential Functions.

Stanford University

A Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies.

Nature

She trailed off, leaving unspoken a catalog of regrets.

The New York Times - Style

A catalog of great desserts is on offer as well.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a catalog of", ensure that the items being cataloged share a common theme or purpose to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

While "a catalog of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a list of" or "some examples of" may be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a catalog of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner followed by a noun and preposition. It introduces a listing or compilation of items, attributes, or instances, effectively categorizing and presenting them in a structured manner. This is consistent with Ludwig AI’s assessment that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a catalog of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase to introduce a systematic listing or compilation of items. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts such as science, news media, and academia, indicating its versatility. While generally suitable for formal writing, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to ensure the cataloged items share a common theme for clarity. By being mindful of these guidelines, you can effectively use "a catalog of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of

Highlights the act of gathering items, often with a focus on their shared characteristics or purpose.

a listing of

Emphasizes the act of listing items, often in a structured or sequential manner, rather than the comprehensive nature of a catalog.

an inventory of

Focuses on a detailed list of items, often for stocktaking or assessment purposes, suggesting a more practical and exhaustive enumeration.

a directory of

Suggests a structured list providing contact information or details, often for organizations or individuals in a specific field.

a register of

Implies an official or formal record of items or events, often maintained for legal or administrative purposes.

a compilation of

Implies the gathering of items from various sources into a unified collection, highlighting the assembly process.

an assortment of

Conveys a diverse and varied collection, often suggesting a range of different types or styles.

a compendium of

Suggests a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger body of work or knowledge.

a syllabus of

Describes the main points of a subject or study.

a spectrum of

Highlights the wide range of different opinions or characteristics

FAQs

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

You can use "a catalog of" to introduce a list or collection of items, such as "The museum provides "a catalog of" its artifacts" or "The study presented "a catalog of" potential errors".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a catalog of"?

Similar phrases include "a list of", "a collection of", "an inventory of", or "a directory of". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

Is "a catalog of" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a catalog of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or professional contexts, where it conveys a comprehensive listing or classification.

What's the difference between "a catalog of" and "a list of"?

"A catalog of" often implies a more comprehensive and structured collection than "a list of", suggesting a systematic organization and detailed description of items.