a varied assortment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a varied assortment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of different items or types that are diverse in nature. Example: "The store offers a varied assortment of fruits, including exotic options like dragon fruit and star fruit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Hankinson brings a varied assortment of skills to her projects.

The New York Times

In a typical day I will have a varied assortment of patient care and staff support.

The Guardian

The framed prints, he notices now, all depict Mary Magdalene: a varied assortment of half-naked, half-clothed versions of her, repentant or otherwise, some of them painted by pious Christians, others sly caricatures intended as pornography.

The Guardian - Books

New Wave has a varied assortment of salads, including a seafood salad of shrimp, squid, mussels, bay scallops, yellow pepper, celery and red onion, tossed in a vinaigrette ($13 a pound).

The New York Times

Like Samad, Marcus wants to eliminate chance and accident in the world, and his "FutureMouse" project will draw the wrath of a varied assortment of religious and political groups -- groups that just happen to count among their members Millat Iqbal; Archie's mother-in-law, Hortense; and Marcus's own son, Joshua.

The New York Times - Books

The fact-crammed piece, by Charles G. Shaw, emphasizes the transatlantic dandy's clothes: **{:.break one} ** His haberdashery comes from Charvet's, Place Vendôme, and embraces a varied assortment of colored striped shirts, with drawers and collars of the same material to match each shirt, white silk undershirts, beige silk pajamas (emblazoned with white frogs), and white, watered-silk suspenders.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

By The New Yorker September 12, 2016 The longlist for the 2016 National Book Award for Young People's Literature includes a widely varied assortment of stories and novels.

The New Yorker

A varied variety is redundant.

The New York Times

If the varied assortment of contributing factors, both genetic and environmental, converges on a smaller number of functional states, analysis of the transcriptomic correlates of phenotypic outcome can be more powerful and more informative than simply trying to detect the genetic correlates.

BioEssays

Known as the aircraft carrier proposal for the varied assortment of rules it encompassed, the plan was sunk after encountering a wave of criticism from practitioners and others.

The New York Times

For one thing, you can smell the roses, or at least the city parks' more varied assortment of flowers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a varied assortment" when you want to emphasize the diversity within a collection, making it clear that the items are not all of the same kind. For example, "The gift shop had a varied assortment of souvenirs, from local crafts to imported trinkets."

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives or phrases near "a varied assortment". For instance, saying "a widely varied assortment" can be repetitive, as "varied" already implies a wide range. Instead, focus on describing the specific qualities of the assortment itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a varied assortment" functions as a noun phrase, with "varied" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "assortment". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in describing diverse collections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a varied assortment" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing diverse collections. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and serves to emphasize the heterogeneity of a group of items, and this is reflected in the many examples found in the analyzed data. It's particularly prevalent in news and scientific contexts but also appears in more informal settings. When using this phrase, avoid redundancy and focus on the specific qualities that make the assortment diverse. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the richness and range of the collection you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse collection

Emphasizes the distinct nature of the items.

a mixed bag

Suggests a less organized and potentially unpredictable collection.

a wide array

Highlights the extensive range of the collection.

a heterogeneous mix

Implies a blend of dissimilar elements.

an eclectic selection

Suggests a collection drawn from various sources and styles.

a diverse range

Focuses on the spectrum of different items available.

a motley crew

Often used for people, implying a diverse and sometimes odd group.

a miscellany of items

More formal, indicating a collection of various and unrelated items.

a spectrum of choices

Highlights the range of options available.

an assortment of different types

More descriptive, emphasizing the differences between the items.

FAQs

How can I use "a varied assortment" in a sentence?

Use "a varied assortment" to describe a collection containing diverse items. For example, "The farmer's market offered "a varied assortment" of fruits and vegetables."

What are some synonyms for "a varied assortment"?

Alternatives include "a diverse collection", "a mixed bag", or "a wide array". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "varied assortment" or "diverse assortment"?

Both "varied assortment" and "diverse assortment" are correct and often interchangeable. "Varied" emphasizes differences, while "diverse" highlights distinct qualities. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a varied assortment" imply about the items?

Using "a varied assortment" suggests that the items within the collection are not uniform or of the same type. It indicates a range of different characteristics or origins.