a wide array of topics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a wide array of topics' is a perfectly acceptable and often used phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you would like to refer to a large selection of topics. For example: The academic conference had a wide array of topics for participants to explore.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, for more than 45 minutes, he fielded questions on a wide array of topics.

The New York Times

Users who participate in discussion forums cover such a wide array of topics that they inevitably bring up issues not covered on company surveys.

The New York Times

And they want discussions to cover a wide array of topics: abstinence, avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, even sexual orientation.

The New York Times

Those seminars have covered a wide array of topics over the years in the humanities and in the sciences.

Yale University

Students in the PhD program at Columbia engage in cutting-edge research on a wide array of topics.

Columbia University

The three-day conference, which also featured two practical workshops, covered a wide array of topics relevant to landscape conservation.

Yale University

Professor Green's research interests span a wide array of topics: voting behavior, partisanship, campaign finance, hate crime, and research methods.

Columbia University

If you subscribe to our newsletter, you'll receive inspiring interviews and blogposts covering a wide array of topics, from journalism to writing, business and cultural appreciation.

The Guardian

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, Career Services offices offer many programs and workshops on a wide array of topics.

Cornell University

There's the broader-focus approach, practiced by South Korea-based Oh My News and WikiNews, which cover a wide array of topics, issues, and locales.

MIT Technology Review

The event's intent was to declare a national emergency to secure funding for a border wall, but President Trump shared his thoughts on a wide array of topics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a wide array of topics" with specific examples or categories that the topics fall under. For instance, "The conference covered a wide array of topics: climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture."

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "a wide array of topics" can make your writing sound repetitive or generic. Consider replacing it with more precise language that reflects the specific nature of the topics being discussed to provide greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide array of topics" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. It describes the scope or extent of something, such as a discussion, a curriculum, or a conference. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

39%

News & Media

39%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide array of topics" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that conveys a broad and comprehensive coverage of different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across different registers from neutral to formal. It's most frequently encountered in academic, news, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for describing diverse research interests, conference agendas, and curriculum content. While interchangeable with phrases like "a wide range of subjects", it's important to consider the nuance each phrase offers. When using "a wide array of topics", ensure it isn't overused in formal writing and provides context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide range of subjects

Replaces "array" with "range" and "topics" with "subjects", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining similar meaning.

a diverse range of subjects

Substitutes "wide" for "diverse," emphasizing variety in subjects.

a broad spectrum of issues

Uses "spectrum" to convey range and "issues" for subjects, slightly shifting the focus to more specific problems.

a multitude of subjects

Replaces "wide array" with "multitude", indicating a large number of subjects.

various subjects

A more concise way of saying "a wide array of topics", focusing simply on variety.

a plethora of themes

Uses "plethora" to indicate abundance and "themes" instead of "topics", suitable when discussing overarching ideas.

an extensive list of subjects

More directly refers to a list, which may be appropriate in some contexts.

numerous fields of study

More formal and academic, referring to distinct areas of scholarly investigation.

a host of different areas

More informal than "a wide array of topics", and is well-suited for less formal contexts.

many different facets

Emphasizes the different aspects or perspectives covered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide array of topics" to describe a situation where many different subjects are being discussed, studied, or covered. For example, "The curriculum includes "a wide array of topics" ranging from history to science."

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

You can use alternatives like "a wide range of subjects", "various subjects", or "a multitude of subjects" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wide range of topics" instead of "a wide array of topics"?

Yes, "a wide range of topics" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The two phrases are largely interchangeable and convey the same general meaning.

What's the difference between "a wide array of topics" and "a diverse range of subjects"?

While both phrases indicate variety, "a wide array of topics" simply emphasizes the number of different subjects, while "a diverse range of subjects" highlights the differences and variations among the subjects.