a patchwork of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patchwork of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is made up of various different elements or parts, often in a way that suggests a lack of coherence or uniformity. Example: "The city is a patchwork of cultures, with neighborhoods reflecting diverse traditions and lifestyles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're a patchwork of small towns".

The New York Times

"We saw a patchwork of different decisions".

The New York Times

Baghdad is a patchwork of building sites.

The Economist

The result is a patchwork of laws.

The New York Times - Tech

"The states have a patchwork of laws.

The New York Times

Growth led to a patchwork of neighbourhood green spaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Europe remains a patchwork of national energy policies and regulation.

The Economist

The resulting décor is a patchwork of the community's history.

The New York Times - Travel

Georgia will be a patchwork of alcohol laws.

The New York Times

It's a "patchwork of cultures, ethnicities, languages and sects.

The Guardian - Books

Now it's a patchwork of industrialised and rural landscapes.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patchwork of" to vividly describe situations where diverse elements combine, especially when emphasizing a lack of uniformity or a complex arrangement.

Common error

While versatile, "a patchwork of" can sometimes sound informal in highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "a combination of" or "an integration of" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patchwork of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as being composed of various different elements or parts. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a patchwork of" is a versatile phrase used to describe something composed of diverse and often disparate elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in highly technical or academic writing. Remember to use "a patchwork of" to vividly illustrate complexity and diversity in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mosaic of

Emphasizes the artistic and intricate arrangement of different elements.

a blend of

Highlights the smooth integration and mixing of different components.

a collection of

Focuses on the act of gathering diverse items or elements together.

an assortment of

Suggests a varied and diverse mix of items or elements.

a combination of

Highlights the process of merging different things into a single entity.

a medley of

Implies a harmonious but diverse mixture, often used in artistic contexts.

a jumble of

Suggests a disorganized or chaotic mix of elements.

a hodgepodge of

Emphasizes the random and unsystematic nature of the mix.

a miscellany of

Highlights the diverse and unrelated nature of the components.

a mixed bag of

Implies a combination of good and bad, or desirable and undesirable elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a patchwork of" to describe something composed of many different parts. For example, "The landscape was a patchwork of fields and forests."

What are some alternatives to "a patchwork of"?

Alternatives include "a mosaic of", "a blend of", or "a collection of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a patchwork of" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a combination of" or "an amalgamation of" for a more elevated tone.

What does "a patchwork of" emphasize about the elements it describes?

It emphasizes the diverse and often disparate nature of the elements, suggesting a lack of uniformity or a complex arrangement, much like the varied pieces in a patchwork quilt.