a medley of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a medley of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a variety of things of the same type. For example, "I went to the farmers market and picked up a medley of fresh vegetables to cook for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Nature

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Medley of Weather Lore.

Nature

Singing a medley of sea shanties.

The Guardian - Sport

Rise Up regulars come for a medley of reasons.

Princeton University

The first room is a medley of colorful, amateurish work.

The New York Times

It was a medley of the carnal and carnivorous.

The New York Times

An orchestra plays a medley of festive hits.

Independent

In Music City, a medley of flavorful dining options.

The Washington Post

Injections are only one of a medley of available techniques.

The New York Times

So – a medley of misfortunes, including, towards the end, dementia.

The Guardian

The film is a medley of images from Frank's past.

The New Yorker

But Anglo-American comedy relies on a medley of word play, puns, and parallel meanings.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a medley of" to emphasize a diverse and harmonious mix of different elements, like flavors in a dish or musical styles in a performance. This suggests that the elements complement each other.

Common error

While "a medley of" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "a variety of" or "a mixture of", depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a medley of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, followed by a noun. It modifies a noun phrase, indicating a collection of different things mixed together. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a medley of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a diverse assortment or mixture, often with a harmonious connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, it's best to employ this phrase to highlight a pleasing combination of different elements, and bear in mind it can be replaced with synonyms like ""a variety of"" to prevent repetition. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variety of

Implies a selection of different items within a broader category; focuses on the diversity present.

a mixture of

Suggests a combination of elements blended together, often implying less distinction between the components.

an assortment of

Highlights the range and selection available, often used in a more formal or retail context.

a collection of

Emphasizes the act of gathering or compiling different items, implying a deliberate arrangement.

a compilation of

Suggests a gathering of information or data from several sources, often assembled for a specific purpose.

a range of

Highlights the extent and scope of the items involved, often implying a continuous spectrum.

a combination of

Focuses on the act of joining or merging different elements to form a single entity.

a blend of

Implies a smooth and harmonious mixture, often used in contexts like flavors or colors.

a selection of

Emphasizes the careful choice and curation of items, often implying a specific criteria or preference.

a patchwork of

Suggests a collection of disparate elements joined together, forming a whole but remaining distinct.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a medley of" is used to describe a diverse assortment or mixture of different things. For example, you could say, "The restaurant served "a medley of" appetizers" or "The concert featured "a medley of" classic rock hits".

What are some alternatives to saying "a medley of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a variety of", "a mixture of", or "an assortment of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a medley of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Medley" is a noun, and the phrase ""a medley of"" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, indicating a collection or mix of items.

What is the difference between ""a medley of"" and "a range of"?

"A medley of" implies a carefully chosen and harmonious mix, often in music or flavors, while "a range of" suggests a broader spectrum or variety without necessarily implying harmony or careful selection.