a generous assortment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous assortment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wide variety or large quantity of items, often in a positive context. Example: "The bakery offered a generous assortment of pastries, including croissants, danishes, and muffins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The chef's special appetizer, a generous assortment that included shrimp tandoori and chicken tikka, was enough for several to share.

The New York Times - Travel

That leaves a generous assortment of tax incentives available to all types of companies, like Electronic Arts, with skilled accounting departments.

The New York Times - Tech

The meal began gently with a generous assortment of house-made panchan, small appetizers or side dishes sometimes collectively called kimchi (and always including it).

The New York Times

A generous assortment of vegetables and meats, including at least one gelatinous cut for richness, is needed for optimum flavor complexity.

The New York Times - Food

Those feet and hands -- and Nicholas's honeyed, playful singing voice -- were vibrantly present in a generous assortment of clips from movie musicals starring Nicholas and his brother, Fayard.

The New York Times - Arts

He's both inside the story, protecting the rightful heir (Paulette Goddard) from a generous assortment of natural and supernatural threats, and outside it, mocking the dusty conventions of the plot and his own exaggerated cowardice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In Ms. Johnson's studio, reached by French doors, are an equally generous assortment of cartoons and illustrations.

The New York Times

The one identifiably Italian entree we sampled, Tuscan seafood soup, is another winner, a beautiful and generous assortment of salmon, lobster, shrimp, mussels and clams (hey, maybe that raw bar serves a purpose after all) in a deep red broth scented with saffron.

The New York Times

When we make it to painter Lili Bernard's Chinatown studio, we've been refreshed by a stop to a small Vietnamese cafe and Lili's generous assortment of fruit juices only makes every one of us wonder: What are those poor starving artists in New York City sweating over?

Huffington Post

The other sushi and sashimi items, on the regular menu, included thick cuts of salmon and tuna that needed a quick drag through soy sauce to bring up their flavors, and a generous seafood assortment of chirashi deluxe.

The New York Times

Order a glass of prosecco while you ponder the question and you'll be distracted by the preposterously generous assortment of nibbles that comes with your drink; in a few days you'll be taking this generosity for granted, a sure sign that Trieste's odd magic is at work.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous assortment" when you want to emphasize the abundance and variety of items, creating a positive impression of plentifulness and choice.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous assortment" in situations where the actual quantity is small or the variety is limited. This can create a false impression and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

"A generous assortment" functions as a noun phrase, where "generous" modifies the noun "assortment". It is used to describe a collection or variety of items, emphasizing its abundance and diversity, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Travel

13%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Food

6%

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a generous assortment" is a grammatically correct and semantically clear expression used to describe a plentiful and diverse collection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase found in various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and arts reporting. While not overly formal, its neutral tone makes it suitable for many writing styles. To ensure clarity, avoid overusing it in situations where the quantity or variety is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abundant collection

Stresses the rich quantity and gathering of items.

a diverse range

Highlights the variety and differences within the group.

a plentiful selection

Emphasizes the abundance and variety available.

a lavish variety

Suggests a luxurious and diverse range.

an ample mix

Focuses on the sufficient amount and combination.

a copious array

Highlights the large quantity and organized arrangement.

a substantial compilation

Indicates a significant and carefully assembled collection.

a considerable accumulation

Emphasizes the significant quantity that has gathered over time.

a rich tapestry

Implies a complex and interwoven collection of elements.

a full spectrum

Conveys a complete and comprehensive range of possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous assortment" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous assortment" to describe a wide variety of items or options, such as, "The buffet offered "a generous assortment" of desserts.".

What are some alternatives to "a generous assortment"?

Alternatives include "a plentiful selection", "an abundant collection", or "a wide variety" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a generous assortment" in formal writing?

Yes, "a generous assortment" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a clear and widely understood phrase.

What's the difference between "a generous assortment" and "a wide range"?

"A generous assortment" emphasizes both the quantity and variety, while "a wide range" focuses primarily on the diversity or scope of options. A shop could offer "a wide range" of products, but offering "a generous assortment" implies there are many of each product.