a range of tricks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a range of tricks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a variety of skills, methods, or techniques that someone can employ in a particular context. Example: "The magician amazed the audience with a range of tricks that left everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Interior designers offer a range of tricks.

The New York Times

Hansen employs a range of tricks to soak up sweat — linings, bespoke undergarments.

The Washington Post

Nvidia's Shield console uses a range of tricks to reduce latency during game play.

MIT Technology Review

In normal speech, we convey emotions through a range of tricks - pauses, the timing of syllables, tone.

MIT Technology Review

Once students get past the basics, Mr. Conant says they work on style, stepping off the board without instructions and mastering a range of tricks.

The New York Times

HE WHO pays the piper calls the tune but not in corporate Europe, where privileged shareholders use a range of tricks to maintain control of companies, even though they often own only a small proportion of the shares.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Dogs have evolved a range of intricate tricks to follow smells," Jacobs says.

University of California, Berkeley

The crew used a range of lighting tricks to make my micropaleontology lab at San Francisco State look hip and fun, like a nightclub.

University of California, Berkeley

A child molester will often use a range of games, tricks, activities and language to gain trust and/or deceive a child.

WikiHow

Farber diagnoses the prevalence of "this new mannerist flicker," in which "low-key photography, shallow perspectives, screwy pantomime, ominously timed action, hollow-sounding voices" — a wide range of tricks borrowed from the "'highbrow'" (the scare quotes are Farber's) — result in "ultraserious movies that express enough discontent with capitalist society to please any progressive".

The New Yorker

An abandoned police car has been found As the pair's relationship progresses, it feels like Saga is increasingly in the driving seat when it comes to making connections about the killer, although Martin has a marvellous range of tricks to teach her: picking locks, swapping sim cards, and, rather more legally, telling a white lie to spare someone's feelings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's expertise, use "a range of tricks" to emphasize their versatility and resourcefulness in a particular domain.

Common error

Avoid using "a range of tricks" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a variety of methods" or "an assortment of ploys" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a range of tricks" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a range of tricks" is a versatile phrase used to describe a collection of methods or techniques. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in formal writing, synonyms might be preferred for a more elevated tone. Avoiding overuse and considering context will enhance writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variety of methods

Emphasizes the diversity of approaches used.

a collection of techniques

Highlights the structured set of skills or procedures.

an assortment of ploys

Suggests a varied set of cunning or manipulative tactics.

a spectrum of schemes

Implies a broad array of strategic plans, possibly with negative connotations.

a suite of maneuvers

Conveys a set of skillful or strategic actions.

a repertoire of skills

Focuses on the comprehensive set of abilities someone possesses.

an array of strategies

Highlights the different approaches used to achieve a goal.

a series of gambits

Emphasizes a sequence of actions, often with a risk-taking element.

a number of stratagems

Focuses on clever, often deceptive, plans.

a bag of tricks

An idiomatic expression referring to a set of skills or methods.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a range of tricks" in a sentence?

Use "a range of tricks" to describe someone's ability to use various methods or techniques to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "The magician used "a range of tricks" to amaze the audience".

What are some alternatives to "a range of tricks"?

You can use alternatives such as "a variety of methods", "a collection of techniques", or "an assortment of ploys" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a range of tricks" in formal writing?

Yes, "a range of tricks" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing strategies or techniques. However, consider the specific context and choose alternatives like "a variety of methods" for a more formal tone.

How does "a range of tricks" differ from "a bag of tricks"?

"A range of tricks" implies a more structured and deliberate set of methods, while "a bag of tricks" often suggests a more impromptu or even deceptive set of techniques.