a set of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a set of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a collection of things. For example, "He had a set of tools for all his carpentry projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's got a set of nuts.

The New Yorker

Each arrived with a set of dishes.

The New York Times

"They were a set of beliefs".

The New York Times - Arts

Second prize, a set of steak knives.

The New York Times

"It's a set of disconnected facts.

The New Yorker

A set of two stones is $13.

The New York Times

There would be a set of implications".

The Guardian

Broad, however, brought a set of demands.

The New Yorker

Try a set of Magnetic Mosaics ($25).

The New York Times - Arts

A set of coordinates?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A set of teeth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a set of" when referring to a defined or related group of items. For example, "a set of rules" or "a set of tools".

Common error

Avoid using "a set of" when simply indicating a quantity. Instead of "a set of three apples", use "three apples" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of" functions as a determiner phrase indicating a group or collection of items. It is used to specify that multiple items belong together in a related manner, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a collection or group of related items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it's also common in academic writing. To use it effectively, ensure you're referring to a defined group and avoid overuse in simple counting scenarios. Consider alternatives like "a group of" or "a collection of" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember that understanding these nuances can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

Emphasizes the collective nature of the items, slightly less formal.

a collection of

Highlights the act of gathering items together, suggesting a curated selection.

a series of

Implies an ordered or sequential arrangement of items.

an array of

Suggests a visually diverse or impressive arrangement.

a range of

Indicates a variety within a specific category or type.

a selection of

Highlights the act of choosing specific items from a larger pool.

a number of

Focuses on the quantity or count of items.

a compilation of

Emphasizes the gathering of information or documents.

an ensemble of

Often used in artistic or musical contexts, suggesting a harmonious grouping.

a cluster of

Implies a closely grouped or concentrated collection.

FAQs

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

Use "a set of" to refer to a group of related or matching items. For example, "The store sells "a set of dishes"" or "The instructions included "a set of guidelines"".

What are some alternatives to using "a set of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a group of", "a collection of", or "a series of" to express similar meanings.

Is it more formal to say "a set of" or "some"?

"A set of" can sometimes sound more formal than "some", especially when referring to a specific collection. However, the level of formality depends greatly on the surrounding context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a set of"?

Avoid using "a set of" when it adds unnecessary length or complexity to your sentence. For example, instead of saying "I have "a set of three books"", you can simply say "I have three books".