a tapestry of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tapestry of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a scene or situation which is composed of many complex or colorful elements. For example, "The night sky was a tapestry of shimmering stars and vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Hersh's articles, he said, composed a "tapestry of nonsense").

The New Yorker

The Iraq dossier was a tapestry of terror.

Independent

From these stories emerges a tapestry of suffering.

The Guardian - Books

It was a tapestry of ordinariness worth celebrating.

The New York Times

I think that you can create a tapestry of contrasting elements that illuminate each other.

The New York Times

"We are Muslim, Caribbean, British, Londoners, Bristolians – we're a tapestry of things.

Independent

WILTON River Road Gallery "A Tapestry of Color," oil paintings and quilts by Anda Styler.

The New York Times

What I want is a tapestry of the banality of the Muslim presence in New York.

The New Yorker

Xavier Boyen, A Tapestry of Identity-Based Encryption: Practical Frameworks Compared, invited article, in Int.

Stanford University

His memoir is a tapestry of conversations, character sketches and reflections drawn from the experience.

The New York Times - Books

They are woven in a tapestry of football and life, Elway and Fassel.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tapestry of" when you want to evoke a sense of interconnectedness and richness in the elements you are describing. It is particularly effective when discussing cultures, histories, or complex systems.

Common error

Avoid using "a tapestry of" too frequently in your writing, as it can become cliché. Consider alternative metaphors or descriptive phrases to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

A tapestry of functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It's used to describe something composed of many interconnected and often diverse elements. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tapestry of" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase utilized to depict intricate and interconnected compositions. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its frequent appearance across diverse sources, emphasizing its versatility in both formal and informal writing. It is advisable to use it intentionally, avoiding overuse. Alternatives such as ""a mosaic of"" or ""a patchwork of"" can provide nuanced variations when describing multifaceted scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mosaic of

Replaces the textile metaphor with a visual one, emphasizing distinct elements forming a whole.

a patchwork of

Similar to tapestry, but suggests a less formal and perhaps more varied composition.

an array of

Focuses on the diverse collection of items or elements.

a collection of

A more general term for a group of things; lacks the interwoven implication.

a blend of

Highlights the mixing or combining of different elements.

a mix of

Similar to 'blend', suggesting elements are combined without necessarily being seamless.

a combination of

A neutral phrase indicating multiple elements working together.

an assortment of

Suggests a varied and diverse collection, often implying randomness.

a compilation of

Indicates elements are brought together, often from different sources.

a spectrum of

Emphasizes a range of variations or positions between two extremes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tapestry of" to describe a complex or intricate combination of elements. For example, "The city's culture is a tapestry of traditions and influences."

What are some synonyms for "a tapestry of"?

Alternatives include "a mosaic of", "a patchwork of", or "an array of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a tapestry of" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though it may be more common in descriptive or creative contexts.

Can "a tapestry of" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a tapestry of" can effectively describe abstract concepts. For instance, you could say "His argument was a tapestry of logical reasoning and emotional appeals."