a spectrum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spectrum of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a range of different things, such as colors, emotions, activities, opinions, or opinions. For example, you could say "She had a spectrum of emotions, ranging from elation to despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The wines displayed a spectrum of styles.

The New York Times

But there is a spectrum of rejectionists.

The Economist

"There are a spectrum of sexual behaviours.

The Guardian

People have a spectrum of choices.

The New York Times

MOSTLY GLASS "A Spectrum of Glass Art".

The New York Times

Clearly there's a spectrum of opinion here.

The Economist

They also represent a spectrum of views on birth control.

The New York Times

does Gingrich understand that "Sharia" has a spectrum of  meanings?

The New Yorker

"The Labour party has a spectrum of donors," he said.

The Guardian

There is a spectrum of races and classes".

The New York Times

The report lays out a spectrum of potential implications.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spectrum of" to effectively convey that you are referring to a wide array of possibilities or a range of characteristics, ensuring the noun that follows is plural.

Common error

Avoid using "a spectrum of" followed by a singular noun. The phrase implies multiple items, so ensure you use a plural noun to maintain grammatical correctness. For example, use "a spectrum of colors" not "a spectrum of color".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spectrum of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a wide range or variety. Ludwig's examples show this phrase modifying nouns related to opinions, colors, emotions and other countable elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

15%

Vice

3%

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spectrum of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a wide range or variety of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific publications, and formal business communications. When using the phrase, ensure that it is followed by a plural noun to accurately reflect its meaning. While "a spectrum of" can be used interchangeably with phrases like "a range of" or "a variety of", it often implies a continuous or graded distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a range of

Emphasizes the extent of variation between different items within a set.

a variety of

Highlights the diversity within a collection of items.

an array of

Suggests a structured and impressive display of different items.

a multitude of

Focuses on the large number of different items.

a selection of

Implies a choice of diverse options.

a gamut of

Denotes the full range of something, often characteristics or qualities.

an assortment of

Conveys a collection of various items.

a diverse collection of

Stresses the heterogeneous nature of the items gathered.

a heterogeneous mix of

Indicates a varied and non-uniform combination of elements.

a wide assortment of

Highlights the breadth of the collection.

FAQs

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

Use "a spectrum of" to indicate a wide range or variety of something. For example, "The project involves a spectrum of challenges" or "The artist used a spectrum of colors in the painting".

What are some alternatives to "a spectrum of"?

You can use alternatives like "a range of", "a variety of", or "an array of" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a spectrum of emotion"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically correct to say "a spectrum of emotions" to emphasize the diverse range of feelings involved. Using the plural form aligns with the meaning of "spectrum", which implies a variety.

What's the difference between "a spectrum of" and "a variety of"?

"A spectrum of" often implies a continuous range or gradient, like colors in a rainbow. "A variety of" simply means different types or kinds without necessarily implying a continuous range.