a collection of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a collection of" is a perfectly correct and normal phrase for written English.
You could use it when describing a grouping of several different things together, for example: "We went to the library and looked through a collection of books on Ancient Roman history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A collection of sonnets?

Independent

A collection of songs?

The New Yorker

A collection of hangers on.

The New York Times - Sports

A collection of Tintin comics.

The New York Times - Books

He had a collection of unexpected freckles.

The New Yorker

Has a collection of 6,000 records.

The New Yorker

He has filmed a collection of artists.

The New York Times - Arts

I have a collection of wineglasses.

The New York Times - Magazine

A collection of rescued Marian statues.

The New York Times

A collection of essays about life.

The New Yorker

Here is a collection of their voices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collection of" when you want to emphasize the variety or diversity within a group of items. For example, "The museum features a collection of artifacts from various cultures."

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun directly after "a collection of" when referring to multiple items. For example, instead of "a collection of book", use "a collection of books".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying another noun to indicate a group or set of items. Ludwig examples show it used to describe various types of groupings, from songs to comics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe a group or set of items. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and employed across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure correct grammar by following it with a plural noun. For alternatives, consider options such as "an array of" or "a compilation of" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An array of

Replaces 'collection' with 'array', suggesting an organized display or arrangement.

A compilation of

Focuses on gathering items into a single resource, often for reference or enjoyment.

A selection of

Implies a choice or preference in the items being grouped.

An assortment of

Indicates a varied mix of different items within the grouping.

A range of

Highlights the diversity and scope of the items included.

A set of

Suggests a group of items that belong together or are designed to be used together.

A cluster of

Implies a close grouping or gathering of items, often in a somewhat disorganized way.

A batch of

Suggests a group of items produced or processed at the same time.

A stockpile of

Emphasizes an accumulation of items, often for future use.

A suite of

Commonly used for software or related items that work together.

FAQs

How do I use "a collection of" in a sentence?

Use "a collection of" to refer to a group of items or things gathered together. For example, "She has "a collection of stamps" from all over the world".

What are some synonyms for "a collection of"?

Alternatives to "a collection of" include "an array of", "a compilation of", or "a selection of", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a collection of" followed by a plural noun?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "A collection of" is followed by a plural noun because it refers to multiple items within the collection. For example, "a collection of books" is correct.

What's the difference between "a collection of" and "a series of"?

"A collection of" refers to a group of items gathered together, while "a series of" implies a sequence or succession of related things. For example, you might have "a collection of paintings" and "a series of events".