a collection of materials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of materials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group or assortment of items, documents, or resources gathered for a specific purpose. Example: "The library has a collection of materials on ancient civilizations that is invaluable for researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a collection of materials", be specific about the type of materials included if relevant to your context. For example, specify "a collection of archival materials" or "a collection of teaching materials" to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a collection of materials" without providing further context. Enhance clarity by specifying what the materials are and their purpose; otherwise, your writing might sound generic and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a collection of materials" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group or assortment of items. Ludwig provides examples of this phrase used in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of materials" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for referring to a group of items, resources, or documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and adaptable to different registers, though best practice suggests being specific about what the materials are to avoid vagueness. While relatively uncommon, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives include "a set of resources" or "an array of supplies", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compilation of resources

Emphasizes the act of gathering resources into a single, organized unit.

a store of resources

Highlights resources availability, implying a useful reserve.

an array of supplies

Highlights the variety of items available, suggesting a well-stocked selection.

a set of components

Implies a specific, defined grouping of materials.

a stockpile of goods

Implies a large quantity of items stored for future use.

an inventory of items

Focuses on a list or count of the available items.

a fund of supplies

Highlights the amount of supplies, indicating there is a lot.

a range of components

Suggests a diverse set of elements that make up a larger system or product.

an assortment of elements

Highlights variety, implying elements are different.

a repository of assets

Emphasizes storing items, usually with high value.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a collection of materials" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a collection of materials", ensure the context clearly indicates what the materials consist of and their purpose. For instance, "The museum houses "a collection of artifacts" from the ancient world" provides better clarity than just saying "a collection of materials".

What are some alternatives to using "a collection of materials"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a set of resources", "an array of supplies", or "a compilation of data". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific content and purpose of the materials you are referring to.

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

"A collection of materials" is generally more appropriate because it acknowledges that the collection typically consists of multiple items. "A collection of material" might be used when referring to a single, undifferentiated substance, but it is less common.

What's the difference between "a collection of materials" and "a body of work"?

"A collection of materials" generally refers to physical items or resources, such as documents or artifacts. "A body of work", on the other hand, typically describes the complete output of an artist, writer, or other creative professional over a period of time, often encompassing both tangible and intangible elements.