a disparate array

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disparate array" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection or group of items that are varied or different from one another. Example: "The exhibition featured a disparate array of artworks, showcasing styles from various cultures and time periods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

For sale was a disparate array of 51 works — lesser examples by trendy artists.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the years, it cobbled together a disparate array of assets, ranging from drugstores and supermarkets to container ports.

The New York Times

(The V&A is home to a disparate array of objects, from 19th-century D'Oyly Carte prompt books to Pete Townshend's partly-smashed guitar).

The Guardian

One option, clearly, is to endearingly admit the impossibility of one name encompassing such a disparate array of brands and businesses: you could call it "mish-mash", say.

The Guardian

A second is held by a disparate array of opposition militias in non-contiguous chunks in both the north and south.

The New Yorker

Shrinking the company to a more manageable size meant disassembling a disparate array of businesses built over decades by Maurice R. Greenberg, the former chief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A once disparate array of fighters, often with their own competing agendas, the militant groups are beginning to look more unified.Gang leaders who previously distanced themselves from MEND are aligning themselves with it.

The Economist

The process was largely complete by the end of the 7th century, but left a confusing and disparate array of local practices and religious ceremonies.

Wikipedia

The following year, his early black and white work was included in a book, The New York School: Photographs 1936-63, buthoughugh a member of that esteemed circle – alongside Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Bruce Davidson, Levitt and Weegee – he was an outsider even among its disparate array of great talents.

The Guardian - Arts

Making sense of this oddly disparate array of things involves some poetic connecting of dots.

The New York Times - Arts

"THERE WERE THE YORUBAS dressed in all-white," Daughtry said, thinking back to the 1970s, to the disparate array of black New Yorkers who gathered at her father's House of the Lord Church to fight injustice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disparate array" when you want to emphasize the variety and distinctness of items within a collection. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a disparate array" when you actually want to convey a sense of harmony or uniformity. "Disparate" highlights differences, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disparate array" functions as a noun phrase, where 'disparate' acts as an adjective modifying 'array'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes a collection of items or entities that are distinct and varied in nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disparate array" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing a collection of distinct and varied items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in news, science, and other domains. While not exceedingly common, it adds a sophisticated touch to writing and effectively emphasizes the heterogeneity within a group. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to place on the differences within the collection. This expression typically appears in neutral to formal registers, making it appropriate for a wide variety of writing tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse collection

Emphasizes the variety and differences within the collection, similar to "disparate", but with a more positive connotation.

a varied assortment

Highlights the range of items, focusing on their different types and characteristics.

a heterogeneous mix

Stresses the lack of uniformity and the mixed nature of the elements.

an eclectic group

Suggests a carefully chosen collection of diverse and interesting items or people.

a mixed bag

Implies a collection containing both good and bad elements, or simply a variety of different items.

a motley crew

Often used to describe a group of people who are dissimilar and perhaps unconventional.

a jumble of items

Emphasizes the disordered and random nature of the collection.

a hodgepodge of things

Similar to "jumble", but suggests a less negative connotation, simply indicating a mix of different things.

a miscellany of objects

A formal way of describing a collection of diverse items, often of historical or literary interest.

an assortment of odds and ends

Describes a collection of small, unrelated items, often of little value.

FAQs

How can I use "a disparate array" in a sentence?

"A disparate array" is used to describe a collection of distinct or varied items. For example, "The museum showcased "a disparate array" of artifacts from different historical periods."

What's a good alternative to "a disparate array"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a diverse collection", "a varied assortment", or "a heterogeneous mix".

Is "disparate" the same as "different"?

While both words indicate a lack of similarity, "disparate" implies a greater degree of difference or incongruity. "Different" is a more general term, whereas "disparate" suggests distinct and often unrelated elements.

Can "a disparate array" be used to describe people?

Yes, "a disparate array" can describe groups of people, emphasizing their diverse backgrounds, opinions, or characteristics. For example, "The committee consisted of "a disparate array" of experts from various fields."