a compilation of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a compilation of' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a collection of works or items that have been gathered together. For example: "This book is a compilation of essays written by famous authors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A compilation of teeny tiny memoirs.

The New Yorker

Here's a compilation of those stories.

The New York Times

A compilation of summer-reading lists.

The New Yorker

The following is a compilation of conversations.

The Washington Post

A compilation of Vine videos with Gavin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A compilation of interstellar column densities.

Nature

The bar is a compilation of fragments.

The New York Times

And... here's a compilation of Trump-wall clips.

The Guardian

Below is a compilation of his spots for Diet Pepsi.

The New Yorker

A compilation of lincRNAs during T cell development and differentiation.

Nature

Media Matters even made a compilation of those requests.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a compilation of" when you want to emphasize that something is formed by bringing together different parts or elements. It can apply to data, stories, or any collection of items.

Common error

While "a compilation of" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal or academic writing where more precise terms like 'analysis', 'synthesis', or 'study' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compilation of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces a noun or noun phrase and specifies that the noun is composed of multiple gathered items. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found modifying various nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a compilation of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that is formed by gathering different elements. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is widely accepted, being aware of alternative expressions like "a collection of" or "a synthesis of" can enrich your writing and offer more nuanced ways to convey your intended meaning. Knowing common errors and adopting best practices, help ensure accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of

Focuses on the act of gathering items together.

an assembly of

Implies a more structured or organized gathering.

a synthesis of

Suggests combining different elements into a unified whole.

an aggregation of

Refers to a gathering of items in a less organized manner.

a selection of

Emphasizes the act of choosing specific items from a larger set.

an anthology of

Specifically refers to a collection of writings or artistic works.

a portfolio of

Describes a collection of someone's best work or investments.

a register of

Suggests an ordered list of items.

a body of

Suggests a large and connected collection of items or information.

a spectrum of

Implies a wide range or variety within a set of items.

FAQs

How can I use "a compilation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a compilation of" to indicate that something consists of various elements brought together. For example, "The report is a compilation of data from multiple sources."

What is an alternative to "a compilation of"?

Alternatives include "a collection of", "an assembly of", or "a synthesis of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a compilation of data" or "a collection of data"?

Both "a compilation of data" and "a collection of data" are correct. "Compilation" suggests a more deliberate process of gathering and organizing, while "collection" is more general.

What's the difference between "a compilation of" and "an analysis of"?

"A compilation of" refers to gathering and presenting information. "An analysis of" involves a detailed examination and interpretation of the information.