a collection of sonnets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of sonnets" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group or anthology of sonnets, typically in literary discussions or when describing a book of poetry. Example: "The poet's latest work is a collection of sonnets that explore themes of love and loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A collection of sonnets?

Independent

This week's poem comes from a collection of sonnets, songs, pastorals, elegies and epigrams by the newly-rediscovered Elizabethan poet, Robert Sidney.

The Guardian - Books

Joan Salvat-Papasseit and J.V. Foix broke away from Noucentisme to experiment with European avant-garde forms; such experimentation is best exemplified by Foix's Sol, i de dol (1947; "Alone, and in Mourning"), a collection of sonnets on futuristic themes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She became a public school teacher at 16 and two years later established her literary reputation with the publication of Espectros (1919; "Ghosts"), a collection of sonnets in the Symbolist tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rivera, a lawyer by profession, established his literary reputation with Tierra de promisión (1921; "The Promised Land"), a collection of sonnets portraying the untamed beauty of the Colombian tropics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Daniel Hoffman, a scholar and critic who was the nation's poet laureate from 1973 to 1974 and whose books include a collection of sonnets, an epic poem about the founding of Pennsylvania and analytical works about Paul Bunyan and Edgar Allan Poe, died Saturday in Haverford, Pa.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Our headmaster had studied with Frost at Amherst and once published a collection of poems, "Sonnets Against the Storm," which it now pained him to be reminded of.

The New Yorker

As well as other religious verse treatises, he wrote Wittes Pilgrimage... (c. 1605), a collection of love sonnets; and Humours Heav'n on Earth; with the Civile Warres of Death and Fortune (1609), a description of the plague.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In her Euvres (1555; Louise Labé's Complete Works, Labéé presents a collection of elegies, sonnets, and prose reversing the usual gender perspective and summoning other women to follow her example in search of poetic fame.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That visit, from February to November 1825, inspired a notable collection of sonnets (some love sonnets, and a series known as, published a year later.

Wikipedia

The poet sounds a tragic and lyric note in his best work, El rayo que no cesa (1936; "The Never-Ending Lightning"), a collection mostly of sonnets of great classical purity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a poet's work, specify the theme or style within "a collection of sonnets" to provide context.

Common error

Avoid solely using "a collection of sonnets" without providing specific details about the collection's unique characteristics or themes. This can make your writing seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of sonnets" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It typically refers to a group or anthology of sonnets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

37%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of sonnets" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to refer to a group of sonnets, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in encyclopedias and news media, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, consider specifying details about the collection's theme or style to enrich your writing. Alternatives include "an anthology of sonnets" or "a cycle of sonnets", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an anthology of sonnets

Replaces "collection" with "anthology", emphasizing a curated selection.

a cycle of sonnets

Suggests a thematic or narrative connection between the sonnets.

a sequence of sonnets

Implies an ordered arrangement or progression in the sonnets.

a gathering of sonnets

Uses "gathering" to denote a compilation.

a compilation of sonnets

Replaces "collection" with "compilation", highlighting the act of assembling.

a set of sonnets

Emphasizes the group aspect using "set".

a volume of sonnets

Refers to the physical book containing the sonnets.

sonnet compilation

Concise phrasing using "sonnet compilation".

sonnet anthology

Similar to "an anthology of sonnets" but more concise.

sonnet cycle

A shorter version of "a cycle of sonnets".

FAQs

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

You can use "a collection of sonnets" to refer to a group of sonnets, for example: "The professor analyzed Shakespeare's "a collection of sonnets", focusing on the theme of love."

What are some alternatives to "a collection of sonnets"?

Alternatives include "an anthology of sonnets", "a cycle of sonnets", or "a sonnet sequence", each implying a slightly different nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "a compilation of sonnets" or "a collection of sonnets"?

Both "a compilation of sonnets" and "a collection of sonnets" are appropriate, but "anthology" often suggests a more curated or thematically linked gathering.

What distinguishes "a cycle of sonnets" from "a collection of sonnets"?

"A cycle of sonnets" implies that the sonnets are interconnected, forming a narrative or thematic sequence, while "a collection of sonnets" simply refers to a group of sonnets without necessarily implying such a connection.