a messy array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a messy array of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disorganized or chaotic collection of items, ideas, or elements. Example: "The artist's studio was filled with a messy array of paint tubes, brushes, and canvases scattered everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In time these gave way to "kiosk capitalism": a messy array of shacks and "pavilions" selling everything from Mars bars to medicine, and shoes to sunflower seeds.

The Guardian

Surrounded by a messy array of paint tubes, brushes and paper cutouts, the little girl focuses intently on the canvas in front of her.

Los Angeles Times

I can also imagine my father spending his Sunday amidst a messy array of pots and pans and ingredients, shifting constantly from the counter, to the stove, to the sink, following every word of my grandmother's recipe.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, it would better fit the underlying development framework to co-invest with current partners supporting national strategies rather than further complicating an already messy array of organizations countries must work with.

Huffington Post

The alliance is expected to do well in its southern heartlands, and the league, though not as popular as it was, will probably do well enough up north, where the combined right should sweep the floor.The left has been further hampered because its coalition embraces a much messier array of parties than the right's.

The Economist

That a business is a dictatorship and a state is a messy democracy with a dizzying array of interest groups that need to be catered to.

Huffington Post

"In marked contrast to the strident clarity of neoliberal mantras, the real-world trajectories of neoliberalisation have been far more messy, following a proliferative array of pock-marked, crisis-strewn development paths"(Peck and Theodore 2012, 179).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

To date, no studio has agreed to begin using the producer's mark, but a number of high executives have said they would consider it as a way of cleaning up what many see as a messy and sometimes meaningless array of producer titles that may award the same credit to different levels of work, according to guild officials.

The New York Times

A messy structure of government.

The Economist

Motivation also introduces a messy set of implicit constraints.

Forbes

A messy, incomplete log of old updates is here.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a messy array of" to vividly describe a disorganized collection of items or concepts, adding a sense of chaos or lack of order to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a messy array of" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "disorganized", "chaotic", or "jumbled" to maintain reader interest and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a messy array of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, adding descriptive detail to a noun. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and organizational structures. The phrase emphasizes the disorganized or chaotic nature of what is being described, and as Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a messy array of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for depicting disorganized collections. As Ludwig examples show, it finds application across diverse contexts, though it is more common in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse, opting for synonyms to enrich your writing. Its nuanced function allows you to vividly express disarray and chaos. The frequency of its usage is uncommon, so remember to check if there is a better word choice for your intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disorganized collection of

Replaces "messy" with "disorganized" and "array" with "collection", focusing on the lack of order.

a chaotic assortment of

Substitutes "messy" with "chaotic" and "array" with "assortment", highlighting the turbulent nature of the collection.

a jumbled mix of

Replaces "messy array" with "jumbled mix", emphasizing the confused arrangement.

a disordered compilation of

Uses "disordered compilation" instead of "messy array", focusing on the lack of systematic arrangement.

a confused aggregation of

Replaces "messy" with "confused" and "array" with "aggregation", highlighting the lack of clarity.

a haphazard selection of

Substitutes "messy" with "haphazard" and "array" with "selection", stressing the randomness of the group.

a tangled accumulation of

Replaces "messy array" with "tangled accumulation", emphasizing the intricate disarray.

a muddled assortment of

Uses "muddled assortment" instead of "messy array", focusing on the confused and unclear nature.

a disorganised jumble of

This phrase uses "disorganised jumble", which carries the sense of disorder and messiness, instead of the original phrase

a cluttered collection of

Replaces "messy" with "cluttered" and "array" with "collection", emphasizing the excess and lack of space.

FAQs

How can I use "a messy array of" in a sentence?

You can use "a messy array of" to describe something that is disorganized or chaotic. For example, "The desk contained a messy array of papers and office supplies."

What can I say instead of "a messy array of"?

You can use alternatives like "a disorganized collection of", "a chaotic assortment of", or "a jumbled mix of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a messy array of" or "a disorganized array of"?

Both "a messy array of" and "a disorganized array of" are correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey; "messy" emphasizes untidiness, while "disorganized" stresses the lack of structure.

What is the difference between "a messy array of" and "a complicated array of"?

"A messy array of" suggests disorganization and lack of order, while "a complicated array of" implies complexity and intricacy. The former focuses on untidiness, the latter on complexity.