a platter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a platter of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serving dish that holds various types of food, often in a communal or shared setting. Example: "The restaurant served a platter of assorted cheeses and fruits for the guests to enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A platter of shrimp arrived.

The New Yorker

Each table also held a platter of quartered bran muffins.

The New York Times

A courtier set down a platter of almonds and baklava.

The New Yorker

You could sear up a platter of Kerala beef.

The New York Times - Food

Or begin with a platter of juicy, mildly spiced prawns.

The New York Times

A platter of panzanella waits on a table.

The New York Times

Then a platter of hot, briny, sweet oysters Rockefeller.

The New York Times - Travel

A platter of grey with a side of spitting rain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I stood near a platter of program-sponsored cheese.

The New Yorker

Its language is a platter of cabbages instead of roses.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adeline cooked a platter of moose and set it on the table beside a platter of bear two large mounds of sliced meat at least eight inches high.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a variety of foods served together, use "a platter of" to create a sense of abundance and visual appeal. For example, "a platter of fresh fruits and cheeses" sounds more inviting than simply listing the items.

Common error

While "a platter of" is suitable for descriptive writing, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or business documents. Opt for more neutral terms like "selection of" or "assortment of" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a platter of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It describes a specific quantity or presentation of items, typically food, served on a platter. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often introduces a list of items served together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A platter of" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a collection of items, typically food, presented on a serving platter. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-accepted and widely used. Ludwig's examples show that it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, signaling a neutral communicative purpose and a common register. When writing, consider "a platter of" when describing a visually appealing arrangement of food, but be mindful of its slightly informal tone in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a selection of

Focuses on the variety and choice available in the collection.

an assortment of

Highlights the diverse mix of items presented together.

a spread of

Emphasizes the expansive and generous nature of the offering.

a tray of

Refers to the serving vessel and implies a more organized arrangement.

a collection of

Indicates a curated or gathered group of items.

a medley of

Suggests a harmonious blend of different elements.

a smorgasbord of

Implies a wide and varied selection, often self-served.

a buffet of

Similar to smorgasbord, suggesting a self-serve array.

a sampling of

Focuses on offering small portions of different items for tasting.

a presentation of

Highlights the artistic or deliberate arrangement of the items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a platter of" to describe a serving dish containing various food items, for example, "The waiter brought "a platter of sandwiches" to the table".

What's the difference between "a platter of" and "a bowl of"?

"A platter of" typically refers to a flat, wide dish displaying multiple items, often food, while "a bowl of" suggests a deeper, rounded container usually holding a single type of food or liquid.

What are some alternatives to "a platter of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a selection of", "an assortment of", or "a tray of".

Is it correct to say "a platter with" instead of "a platter of"?

While grammatically understandable, "a platter of" is the more idiomatic and commonly used expression to describe what's on the platter. "A platter with" emphasizes the physical characteristics of the platter itself, whereas "a platter of" emphasizes its content.