a collection of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group or assortment of various items or objects. Example: "The museum features a collection of things from ancient civilizations, including pottery, tools, and jewelry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It felt like a collection of things, versus a self-conscious design statement," he said.

The New York Times

The most interesting science news in the last 25 years might be a collection of things.

The New York Times - Science

"Economic development is a version of natural development," not "a collection of things but rather a process that yields things".

The New York Times - Books

Something you can only hear by purchasing replacement ears on the deep web! – and more just a collection of things James has had lying around for release.

The Guardian - Music

Even a collection of things, such as a woodpile, has some unity inasmuch as it can correctly be called one thing: it is a collection, but it is a single collection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the exception of Thom Yorke and co, the locations and activities sound more like a list of shots from an advertisement for a fabulous holiday than a collection of things that an actual human being might regularly participate in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In other words, a world is a set of individual substances; or, as Leibniz puts in the opening line of On the Ultimate Origination of Things, a world is a "collection of finite things".

SEP

His museum is impressive and offers a collection of many things he has collected over his journeys".

Vice

Ms. Pavelka said: "The weird thing is before I met Red, I had a collection of melted things on the wall of my apartment.

The New York Times

It is a collection of doing things right".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a collection of odd things in here," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collection of things" when you want to emphasize the variety and somewhat unstructured nature of the group. It works well when the items don't necessarily share a common purpose or category.

Common error

While versatile, "a collection of things" can sound informal in professional or academic contexts. Opt for more specific or descriptive terms depending on your specific items (e.g., "an array of data", "a range of products").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of things" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a group of diverse items. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts to describe assemblages of objects, ideas, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of things" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase to describe a group of items or objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news articles, scientific discussions, and general writing. While its neutral register makes it widely applicable, more specific terms might be preferable in formal settings to enhance clarity and precision. When using "a collection of things", consider alternatives like "an array of items" or "a group of objects" for stylistic variation. Remember that this phrase implies a diverse grouping without emphasizing specific characteristics or relationships among the items. Avoid overuse in contexts where more precise vocabulary is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of items

A general term for multiple items considered together.

a set of things

Implies a defined or related group.

an array of items

Emphasizes a structured and visually pleasing arrangement.

an assortment of objects

Suggests a varied mix, potentially lacking a specific theme.

a compilation of items

Highlights the process of gathering items together.

a cluster of objects

Indicates a grouping that is closely packed together.

a miscellany of items

Implies a diverse and potentially random collection.

a range of products

Focuses on a variety within a specific product category.

a selection of goods

Suggests a deliberate choice from a larger pool of possibilities.

a hoard of items

Implies a large, often hidden, accumulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a collection of things" to refer to a variety of items grouped together. For example: "The museum displays "a collection of artifacts" from ancient civilizations."

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an assortment of items", "a group of objects", or "a variety of items" as alternatives to "a collection of things".

Is it okay to use "a collection of things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a collection of things" can sometimes sound informal. Consider using more specific terms like "an array of data" or "a range of products" in professional or academic contexts.

What distinguishes "a collection of things" from "a set of things"?

"A collection of things" often implies variety without a specific theme, whereas "a set of things" suggests a defined or related group, often intended to be used together.