a wide array of materials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide array of materials" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a diverse selection or variety of different materials available for a specific purpose. Example: "The art supply store offers a wide array of materials, including paints, brushes, and canvases for artists of all levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Three years later, after assembling an impressive collection of occasional pieces in a wide array of materials, the best title Mr. Plasman and his colleagues could think of was "Bolier Occasionals".

The New York Times

The library collects a wide array of materials that support the work at the center.

Serials Review

Styrene is a building-block of several compounds used in a wide array of materials and products.

Mutation Research-Reviews in Mutation Research

E-Jet printing affords a wide array of materials to be deposited at very fine resolutions, on the order of microns.

Mechatronics

The silicon carbide sharps used in the bead beating step of DNA extraction were specifically chosen from a wide array of materials for their ability to remain chemically and physically stable through a 2-day baking period required to eliminate any contaminating nucleic acids.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This paper described a new class of structural materials called Metallic-Intermetallic Laminate (MIL) composites, which can be have their micro, meso- and macro-structure designed to achieve a wide array of material properties, and tailored to achieve specific functionalities.

Nano and Microstructural Design of Advanced Materials A Commemorative Volume on Professor G. Thomas' Seventieth Birthday

Currently, rotary kilns are employed by industry to carry out a wide array of material processing operations, for example, reduction of oxide ore, reclamation of hydrated lime, calcining of petroleum coke, and hazardous waste reclamation.

Rotary Kilns Transport Phenomena and Transport Processes

Both artists are known for their inventiveness and use of a wide array of unconventional materials and media, and both have been hugely influential, especially in Europe and Australia.

The New York Times

To ensure the long-term viability of biorefineries, it is essential to go beyond the carbohydrate-based platform and develop complementing technologies capable of producing fuels and chemicals from a wide array of available materials.

Trends in Biotechnology

Domestic sheep provide a wide array of raw materials.

Wikipedia

City government and health authorities responded by providing guidance and a wide array of educational materials to returning homeowners and physicians (CDC 2005; U.S. EPA 2005).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wide array of materials", ensure that the context clearly indicates what these materials are used for or their significance. This provides clarity and enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a wide array of materials" as a filler phrase without specifying the materials themselves. Always provide context or examples to illustrate the diversity and relevance of the materials you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide array of materials" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig shows it typically describes the variety of substances available or used in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wide array of materials" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a diverse selection of substances. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and business, making it a versatile choice for many writing scenarios. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a diverse range of materials", clarity is key: always specify the materials themselves or their purpose to enhance reader understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad spectrum of materials

Changes 'wide array' to 'broad spectrum', emphasizing range.

a diverse range of materials

Substitutes 'wide array' with 'diverse range', highlighting variety.

a varied selection of materials

Replaces 'wide array' with 'varied selection', focusing on choice.

an extensive collection of materials

Changes 'wide array' to 'extensive collection', stressing quantity.

a comprehensive assortment of materials

Replaces 'wide array' with 'comprehensive assortment', indicating completeness.

a multitude of materials

Substitutes 'wide array' with 'multitude', emphasizing a large number.

a considerable variety of materials

Changes 'wide array' to 'considerable variety', indicating significant diversity.

a vast quantity of materials

Replaces 'wide array' with 'vast quantity', stressing a large amount.

numerous types of materials

Substitutes 'a wide array' with 'numerous types', focusing on different kinds.

various kinds of materials

Changes 'wide array' to 'various kinds', indicating different sorts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide array of materials" to describe a diverse selection of substances available for a particular application. For instance, "The workshop featured "a wide array of materials", including wood, metal, and plastics".

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

Alternatives include "a diverse range of materials", "a varied selection of materials", or "an extensive collection of materials" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a wide array of material" (singular)?

While "array" can sometimes be used with a singular noun, in the context of different substances, it's more accurate and common to use the plural form, "materials". "A wide array of material" would typically refer to different forms or types of a single substance rather than multiple distinct substances.

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

The phrases are largely interchangeable. Both "a wide array of materials" and "a wide range of materials" suggest a diverse selection, but "array" can sometimes imply a more visually organized or deliberately chosen selection.