a wide array

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wide array" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large selection of items or options. For example, "The grocery store offers a wide array of fresh produce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've seen a wide array of nationalities apply," she added.

The Guardian

The draft contains a wide array of provisions.

The Washington Post

A wide array of outdoors groups praised the move.

The Washington Post

Polyesters display a wide array of properties and practical applications.

Britannica

As president, Mohamud faced a wide array of challenges.

Britannica

Articles themselves are in a wide array of European languages.

Princeton University

UC Berkeley offers a wide array of work arrangements.

University of California, Berkeley

Carries a wide array of tools, supplies, and raw materials.

Columbia University

Our agency and others offer a wide array of programs.

The New York Times

Panels are addressing a wide array of issues.

The New York Times

The digital society consists of a wide array of people.

Multiscreen UX Design Developing for a Multitude of Devices

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wide array" to indicate a comprehensive and varied collection of items, options, or possibilities. Ensure the noun following "of" is plural: "a wide array of colors", not "a wide array of color".

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "a wide array of". It should always be followed by a plural noun to correctly represent a collection: "a wide array of books" is correct, while "a wide array of book" is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide array" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large and diverse collection. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing various sets, from tools and supplies to menu options and scientific topics. The phrase contributes to specifying the quantity and variety of the noun it precedes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide array" is a versatile phrase used to describe a diverse collection of items, options, or possibilities. As Ludwig AI states, this is a perfectly acceptable phrase in English writing. Analysis of various sources, including news outlets, academic papers, and general-knowledge wikis, confirms its widespread use across different contexts. Remember to follow it with a plural noun and be mindful of slightly more appropriate alternatives like "a broad range" or "a diverse selection" depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. With its clear meaning and common usage, "a wide array" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide selection

Simpler alternative, focusing on the act of choosing from many options.

a broad range

Replaces "array" with "range", indicating a similar but perhaps less structured collection.

a diverse selection

Substitutes "wide" with "diverse" and "array" with "selection", highlighting variety within the collection.

a considerable variety

Emphasizes the amount and diversity using "considerable" and "variety".

a multitude of options

Focuses on the numerous choices available, using "multitude" to convey quantity and "options" to specify what's being offered.

an extensive collection

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the collection using "extensive".

a vast assortment

Uses "vast" and "assortment" to emphasize the size and variety of the collection.

a comprehensive mix

Suggests a thorough and varied combination of elements.

a great diversity

Stresses the variation and richness within the set.

a spectrum of choices

Implies a range of options covering different points or categories, using a more metaphorical term.

FAQs

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

Use "a wide array" to describe a diverse collection of items. For example, "The museum displays "a wide array" of ancient artifacts" or "The course covers "a wide array" of topics".

What are some alternatives to saying "a wide array"?

You can use phrases like "a broad range", "a diverse selection", or "a considerable variety" as alternatives to "a wide array", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wide array of item"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase "a wide array of" should always be followed by a plural noun. The correct usage is "a wide array of items".

What's the difference between ""a wide array"" and "a wide range"?

While both phrases indicate diversity, ""a wide array"" often suggests a structured or organized collection, whereas "a wide range" simply implies a broad spectrum.