a set of words

USAGE SUMMARY

"a set of words" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of words that are related in some way, such as a phrase, a slogan, or a quotation. For example: "We chose 'Life is Good' as our motto because it's a simple and uplifting set of words."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Basically, a dictionary lists a set of words with information about them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The server then asks the user to repeat a set of words or phrases.

MIT Technology Review

So subjects in this study were presented either with a set of words that were just a wide range of words, or with a set of words, a portion of which had terms typically associated with the elderly.

Yale University

So diplomats are trying to come up with a set of words that could make Hamas a more acceptable client.

The New York Times

"So to have a set of words was so much fun: I could just try things out.

The Guardian

Semantic description of a product is represented by a set of semantic attributes (SA), a set of words describing the domain or the product to be evaluated.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

The computational model was used to generate a set of words for which it was predicted that BG would show no concreteness effect.

Brain and Language

But instead of producing a set of words that describe the image, their algorithm produces a vector that represents the relationship between the words.

MIT Technology Review

Trump shied away from declaiming "radical Islamic terrorism" before this audience, a set of words he had previously given an almost totemic importance in the war against extremism.

The Washington Post

"The results show that practicing a set of words after the recall test does, in fact, reach back in time to facilitate the recall of those words," the paper concludes.

The New York Times - Science

To my same-sexing pals, let me say this: I know that my inability to use a set of words without irony is nothing compared to the long history of our society not allowing you to be those things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set of words", ensure the context clearly defines the relationship between the words. Are they related by topic, grammatical structure, or intended meaning?

Common error

Avoid using "a set of words" when referring to a single word or concept. The phrase implies a collection, so ensure your usage reflects this plurality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of words" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a collection of words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set of words" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a collection of words. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, notably in science, news, and academic writing. While semantically similar phrases exist, like "a collection of terms" or "lexical items", "a set of words" offers a general and accessible way to refer to groupings of vocabulary. Remember to use the phrase when referring to a collection of words, not a single word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of terms

Replaces "words" with the more formal "terms", suggesting a more technical or defined vocabulary.

a group of expressions

Uses "expressions" to indicate a broader range of linguistic units, including idioms or figures of speech.

a vocabulary list

Focuses on the practical application of words, particularly for learning or reference.

lexical items

Employs the technical term "lexical items" for a more academic or linguistic context.

a series of phrases

Highlights the sequential nature of the words, implying a structured arrangement.

a cluster of concepts

Shifts the focus from the words themselves to the underlying ideas they represent.

a string of utterances

Refers to spoken language, emphasizing the act of speaking rather than written words.

linguistic components

Uses a broader, more technical term to encompass various elements of language.

a body of language

Suggests a comprehensive collection of words and their associated rules.

verbal repertoire

Implies the range of words and expressions available to a speaker or writer.

FAQs

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

You can use "a set of words" to describe a group of words that have a specific relationship or purpose. For example, "The mission statement is "a set of words" that defines the company's goals."

What are some alternatives to saying "a set of words"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "a collection of terms", "a group of expressions", or "lexical items".

Is it correct to use "a set of word" instead of "a set of words"?

No, it's not correct. The phrase is ""a set of words"" because "set" refers to a collection, requiring the plural form of "word".

What's the difference between "a set of words" and "a string of words"?

"A set of words" simply indicates a collection, while "a string of words" implies a sequence or arrangement.