a surprising array

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surprising array" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse or unexpected collection of items, ideas, or options that stand out in some way. Example: "The exhibition featured a surprising array of contemporary art pieces that challenged traditional notions of beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A surprising array of contenders at this year's fringe.

The Guardian

Even a straightforward advance from a generous parent can arouse a surprising array of emotions.

The New York Times

The availability of a surprising array of fruits and vegetables attests dramatically to the mildness of recent winters.

The New York Times - Arts

General public ignorance about asexuality can cause a surprising array of problems, even in these sexually enlightened times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The word "moral" pops up frequently in Bissell's essays, and in a surprising array of connections: political, aesthetic and personal.

The New York Times - Books

Simply put, Alentejan food is zestier than most Portuguese fare, with a bolder use of herbs like coriander in a surprising array of dishes.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In just the last eight years, since resigning from his perch at Condé Nast, Mr. Truman has taken on a somewhat surprising array of projects.

The New York Times

Other Voices is also the kind of gathering that unites a diverse and surprising array of musicians, from traditional Irish folk to French-Cuban twins Ibeyi, and Belgian jazz singer Melanie de Biasio to local heroes Walking on Cars, and with the audience of ticket-winners not buyers, there is a sense of real musical devotion.

The Guardian - Music

Despite some moderate critical praise including a glowing review from AllMusic, who called the album's "impressively surprising" array of sounds "refreshing coming from a band who was assumed to be generic retro swing", Soul Caddy failed to achieve the chart success or commercial attention of its predecessor.

Wikipedia

Here's a video I made that focuses on the very surprising array of job-training programs (bodyguards?!) offered by Salesian priests working there:.

The New York Times

The taut surfaces are nonetheless dizzyingly intricate, thanks in part to the surprising array of pictorial references built into them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a surprising array" when you want to highlight an unexpected variety or range of items, options, or characteristics. It is particularly effective when the diversity is noteworthy or contrasts with expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a surprising array" with subjects where variety is inherently expected. For example, saying "the restaurant offered a surprising array of dishes" is less impactful than "the hardware store stocked a surprising array of exotic woods".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surprising array" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a collection or range of items or qualities that are unexpected or notable. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase commonly modifies nouns, adding a sense of unexpected variety or scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a surprising array" is a versatile phrase used to describe an unexpected variety or range of something. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, adding emphasis to the diversity of a collection. Common in news, media, and scientific writing, its neutral tone makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound. Remember to use it when you want to underscore the unexpected nature of a variety and avoid overusing it with predictable subjects. Consider using alternatives like "an unexpected assortment" or "a remarkable collection" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected assortment

Replaces 'array' with 'assortment' and 'surprising' with 'unexpected', focusing on the element of unforeseen variety.

a remarkable collection

Substitutes 'surprising' with 'remarkable' and 'array' with 'collection', emphasizing the noteworthiness of the group.

an astonishing range

Replaces 'surprising' with 'astonishing' and 'array' with 'range', highlighting the breadth of the collection in a more emphatic way.

a striking variety

Changes 'surprising' to 'striking' and 'array' to 'variety', focusing on the impressiveness of the diverse group.

an impressive selection

Substitutes 'surprising' with 'impressive' and 'array' with 'selection', highlighting that items are thoughtfully chosen.

a noteworthy assortment

Replaces 'surprising' with 'noteworthy' and 'array' with 'assortment', emphasizing that the variety is worthy of attention.

an unforeseen compilation

Substitutes 'surprising' with 'unforeseen' and 'array' with 'compilation', suggesting that the set has been gathered together.

an exceptional mix

Changes 'surprising' to 'exceptional' and 'array' to 'mix', focusing on an element of superior quality and combination.

an unusual grouping

Replaces 'surprising' with 'unusual' and 'array' with 'grouping', underscoring the odd or uncommon nature of the set.

a peculiar set

Substitutes 'surprising' with 'peculiar' and 'array' with 'set', emphasizing the odd and individual character of what is grouped.

FAQs

How can I use "a surprising array" in a sentence?

You can use "a surprising array" to describe an unexpected variety or range of something. For example, "The conference featured a surprising array of speakers from diverse backgrounds".

What can I say instead of "a surprising array"?

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected assortment", "a remarkable collection", or "an astonishing range depending on the context".

Is it always necessary to include the article 'a' before "surprising array"?

Yes, because "array" is a countable noun. Therefore, you need to use the article "a" (or "an" if "surprising" is replaced by a vowel-initial word) to form the phrase "a surprising array".

What's the difference between "a surprising array" and "a diverse array"?

"A surprising array" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the variety, while "a diverse array" simply highlights the presence of many different types. The former implies an element of unexpectedness, whereas the latter focuses on variety.