a wide array of backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide array of backgrounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse range of experiences, cultures, or perspectives among a group of people. Example: "The conference attracted participants from a wide array of backgrounds, enriching the discussions with various viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Last year, scientists reported that sand fleas, like chameleons, can change their coloration to match a wide array of backgrounds.

The New Yorker

The University uses a range of approaches and partnerships to attract high-achieving students from a wide array of backgrounds.

Princeton University

Representing a wide array of backgrounds and academic interests — including, for instance, an increasing number of students interested in land planning — the group includes a growing number of students pursuing research-related degrees, including those in the Master of Environmental Science and Master of Forest Science programs.

Yale University

EE students come from a wide array of backgrounds and can take advantage of more than 90 specialized courses, exceptional internships and Capstone workshops with prestigious firms, corporate engagement with New York City's business community, and conferences with preeminent thought leaders.

Columbia University

But when you talk to people who have been involved in local efforts to bring about change over the past quarter century, they understand that you have to work with people from a wide array of backgrounds.

Forbes

High: To solve the problems you are going after requires not only brain power, but also people with a wide array of backgrounds, perhaps more so than when the company began.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The tool provides a wide array of background subtraction methods.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

But Internet companies are also open to a wider array of backgrounds for top managers than old-line businesses are.

The New York Times

Of these newly described resistant strains, only the novel clone was closely related to either TN clones, suggesting that high-level third-generation cephalosporin resistance exists in a wider array of backgrounds than previously recognized.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But just as the school has made efforts in recent years to draw students from a wide array of economic backgrounds, the global elite has been accumulating far more wealth and the American income divide has been growing.

The New York Times

The genetic discovery in ALS comes at a time when genetic engineering technologies in mice are highly efficient through CRISPR/Cas9 and can be applied to a wide array of genetic backgrounds.

Brain Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or professional contexts, "a wide array of backgrounds" can effectively highlight the value of different viewpoints and experiences within a team or organization.

Common error

While "a wide array of backgrounds" is effective, avoid overusing it. Vary your language by using synonyms like "diverse experiences" or "varied perspectives" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide array of backgrounds" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition (e.g., 'from a wide array of backgrounds'). It modifies a noun, describing the characteristics of a group or entity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide array of backgrounds" is a versatile phrase used to describe diversity in experience, origin, or knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It’s particularly frequent in News & Media and Academic settings. When using this phrase, consider its communicative purpose to emphasize the richness and potential benefits of diversity. To prevent overuse, remember to vary your language by using synonyms like "diverse range of experiences" or "varied life experiences". This approach maintains the reader's interest and ensures that your writing remains engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse range of experiences

Focuses on the variety of experiences rather than origins.

a broad spectrum of origins

Emphasizes origins or places of origin more strongly.

diverse cultural heritages

Highlights the cultural aspects of people's backgrounds.

varied life experiences

Stresses the different kinds of experiences people have had.

a multitude of perspectives

Focuses on the different viewpoints people bring.

a rich tapestry of cultures

Uses a metaphorical image to convey the blending of different cultures.

heterogeneous group of individuals

More formal and emphasizes the differences among individuals.

eclectic mix of people

Highlights the varied and unusual combination of people.

assorted blend of origins

Conveys a mixture of different places of origin.

collection of diverse talents

Highlights the diversity of skills and talents present.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide array of backgrounds" to describe a group of people with diverse experiences and origins, such as "The team consists of individuals from "a wide array of backgrounds", bringing unique perspectives to the project."

What can I say instead of "a wide array of backgrounds"?

You can use alternatives like "diverse range of experiences", "broad spectrum of origins", or "varied life experiences" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a wide array of backgrounds" or "diverse backgrounds"?

"A wide array of backgrounds" emphasizes the breadth and variety of experiences and origins, while "diverse backgrounds" simply indicates variety. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a wide array of backgrounds" imply about a group of people?

It implies that the group is composed of individuals with different origins, experiences, and perspectives, which can enrich discussions, problem-solving, and overall understanding.