a collection of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group or assortment of items, documents, or resources gathered together for a specific purpose. Example: "The library has a vast collection of material on ancient civilizations that researchers can access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We've assembled from our archive a collection of material narrating Mandela's life and times.

The Guardian

Lunar soils thus contain a collection of material from the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teachers put up material, called "modules," and then mix and match their work with others' to create a collection of material for students.

The New York Times - Tech

The film, a collection of material shot by amateurs and professionals the week of the disaster, is to be broadcast on A&E on Sept. 4, a week before the second anniversary of the attack.

The New York Times

The adjacent Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum contains some 44,000 books and houses Roosevelt's papers and memorabilia as well as a collection of material on U.S. and New York state history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adding to Sony's enthusiasm for the deal is the discovery of a collection of material that was recorded by Jackson, but never released, over a period of more than three decades.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It may be that even as devastating a collection of materials as the Nauru files will do little to shift current Australian policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The receptionist, incidentally, stands behind a desk constructed of a collection of materials in black and white that resemble travelling trunks. You get the idea).

Independent

The Career Development Library, housed in the university's career center, is a collection of materials about careers in science and industry.

Science Magazine

The library also houses a collection of materials principally related to Dirac's times at FSU and Cambridge University.

Wikipedia

The Castelbosco castle, where part of it is housed, completes the "museum" context: its rooms, warmed with a heating methane, contain a collection of materials that detail the history and future of poop.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collection of material" when you want to emphasize that the items are brought together purposefully, not randomly.

Common error

Avoid using "a collection of material" excessively in formal writing. Consider more precise terms like "compilation", "assortment", or "body of work" depending on the specific context for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests it is usable in written English when referring to a group of items, documents, or resources gathered together for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of material" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a group of items, documents, or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Its frequency is considered common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general informational sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and whether a more specific term like "compilation" or "assortment" might be more appropriate to enhance clarity. However, its broad acceptance and neutral register make it a reliable choice for general descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compilation of items

Replaces 'collection' with 'compilation', emphasizing the act of gathering items together.

an assortment of things

Uses 'assortment' to highlight the variety within the group.

a body of work

Suitable when referring to creative or scholarly output.

a set of documents

More specific, implying the material consists of documents.

a store of resources

Emphasizes the availability and usefulness of the material.

a stockpile of goods

Suggests a large quantity, often for later use.

a cluster of data

Appropriate when dealing with datasets or statistical information.

an accumulation of assets

Refers to a gradual increase in possessions or resources.

a portfolio of holdings

Describes a set of investments or assets.

a repository of knowledge

Implies a place or system where knowledge is stored.

FAQs

How can I use "a collection of material" in a sentence?

You can use "a collection of material" to refer to a group of items, documents, or resources gathered for a specific purpose. For example, "The museum houses "a vast collection of artifacts" from ancient civilizations".

What are some alternatives to saying "a collection of material"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a compilation of items", "an assortment of things", or "a body of work".

Is it better to say "a collection of material" or "a collection of materials"?

"A collection of material" is generally used when referring to a variety of items considered as a whole, whereas "a collection of materials" might be used when referring to specific types of materials like fabrics or construction components.

What is the difference between "a compilation of resources" and "a collection of material"?

While both refer to gathered items, "a compilation of resources" often implies a more structured and curated selection, particularly for practical use. "A collection of material" is a more general term that may include diverse and less organized items.