a wide array of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide array of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a variety of concepts, thoughts, or suggestions in a particular context. Example: "The conference featured a wide array of ideas on sustainable development, encouraging innovative solutions from all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But extremism is an all-purpose term applicable to a wide array of ideas.

Independent

Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Vice President Joseph Biden, part of a group President Barack Obama convened to respond to the shooting, will evaluate "a wide array of ideas," said Briscoe, who declined to comment on whether the federal government would provide money for school security.

Independent

So, needless to say, Garlinghouse has played many roles and has overseen a wide array of ideas through his time in Silicon Valley (and is a Jayhawks fan, which is FINE I guess).

TechCrunch

Jeb Bush likes to present himself as contemplative, embracing a wide array of ideas and influences.

Huffington Post

(Chief, National Police, Ayacucho) The meeting generated a wide array of ideas and suggestions applicable to the design, implementation and evaluation phases of the policy process.

BMC Public Health

You're going for a wide array of ideas as you brainstorm, so don't be too focused or specific just yet.[3] Remember write down everything that comes to mind.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A more diverse workforce, in terms of not just gender, but also sexuality and ethnicity, would lead to a wider array of ideas and inputs, not because women and minorities have better ideas but because they sometimes have different ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

Responses reflected an unusually wide array of ideas, from the conviction that nothing in the world could justify experiments like those in question to the equally impassioned conviction that nothing should get in their way.

The New York Times

We work with a wide array of musicians to record individual parts and ideas using studio production techniques.

Vice

Twitter says it wants to work with a wide array of publishers, but that conflicts with the idea of tight curation and could make Moments as much of a mess as the main feed. 5. Will Twitter turn Moments into a more open platform?

TechCrunch

Capital ideas London offers a wide array of Bank Holiday events.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wide array of ideas", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the diversity and variety of the ideas being presented. Providing specific examples can further strengthen your point.

Common error

While "a wide array of ideas" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "a diverse range of concepts" or "a broad spectrum of perspectives" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide array of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the existence of multiple different thoughts or concepts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide array of ideas" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating a diverse collection of concepts or thoughts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While versatile, it's advisable to use it thoughtfully and consider alternative phrasings to avoid repetition. When using the expression be sure that the diversity of the ideas are made clear. Top sources employing this phrase include the Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and The New York Times. Overall, its consistent usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice for expressing variety in ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse spectrum of thoughts

Replaces "wide array" with "diverse spectrum", focusing on variety and range.

a broad collection of concepts

Substitutes "wide array" with "broad collection", emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the ideas.

a wide ranging spectrum of thoughts

Emphasizes the range of thoughts

a varied assortment of perspectives

Changes "ideas" to "perspectives", highlighting different viewpoints, and "wide array" to "varied assortment".

a considerable range of concepts

Replaces the expression to give more relevance to the "range" of the concepts, instead of focusing on variety.

an extensive compilation of notions

Replaces simpler terms with more formal vocabulary, like "extensive compilation" for "wide array" and "notions" for "ideas".

a multitude of viewpoints

Emphasizes the numerous nature of viewpoints.

a rich tapestry of opinions

Uses a metaphor to describe the blend of diverse opinions.

a comprehensive set of beliefs

Shifts the focus to a complete or thorough collection of beliefs.

a heterogeneous mix of proposals

Employs formal language to describe the diversity and the nature of presented proposals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide array of ideas" to describe a situation where there are many different concepts or thoughts. For instance, "The conference showcased "a wide array of ideas" on how to improve education."

What are some alternatives to "a wide array of ideas"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a diverse range of concepts", "a broad spectrum of perspectives", or "a varied assortment of views", depending on the specific context.

Is "a wide range of ideas" the same as "a wide array of ideas"?

Yes, "a wide range of ideas" and "a wide array of ideas" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. Both indicate a large variety of different ideas.

When is it appropriate to use "a wide array of ideas" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a wide array of ideas" when you want to emphasize the variety and diversity of thoughts, concepts, or suggestions. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.