a wide range of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wide range of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a large selection of things from which to choose. For example: "The store offers a wide range of shoes for women of all sizes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a wide range of things.

Independent

There is a wide range of possibilities".

The New York Times

Masses include a wide range of groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a wide range of things.

The New York Times - Sports

They encompass a wide range of experience.

The New York Times - Books

A wide range of technology stocks advanced.

The New York Times

There's a wide range of design aesthetics.

The New York Times

Wastewater contains a wide range of contaminants.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Women have a wide range of interests.

Huffington Post

They have a wide range of causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Logitech makes a wide-range of excellent remote controls.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when choosing between "a wide range of" and its alternatives. More formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "a diverse array of", while simpler language might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

While "a wide range of" is versatile, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "diverse", "varied", or "extensive" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide range of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically as a pre-quantifier. It modifies a noun, indicating that there is a considerable variety or assortment of the things being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide range of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate diversity or variety. Ludwig AI validates its frequent appearance across various sources, including news, academic papers, and general writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to ensure its usage aligns with the intended meaning and context. When appropriate, consider employing alternatives such as "a diverse array of" or "a broad spectrum of" to add stylistic variation to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and redundancy to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse array of

Replaces 'range' with 'array', emphasizing variety and assortment.

a broad spectrum of

Substitutes 'range' with 'spectrum', highlighting a continuous sequence or extent of something.

a multitude of

Replaces "a wide range of" with "a multitude of", focusing on a large quantity or number.

an extensive variety of

Emphasizes the breadth and diversity of the selection.

a comprehensive selection of

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the selection.

a considerable assortment of

Focuses on a notable collection of diverse items.

various types of

Offers a simpler, more direct way to indicate different kinds or categories.

numerous kinds of

Emphasizes the plentiful nature of the different types.

a host of

Emphasizes abundance, suggesting a large number or collection.

a number of

A more general alternative indicating multiple items or instances, losing the sense of diversity.

FAQs

How can I use "a wide range of" in a sentence?

You can use "a wide range of" to describe a diverse selection or variety of items or topics. For example, "The museum features "a wide range of" artifacts from different historical periods."

What are some alternatives to "a wide range of"?

Some alternatives include "a diverse array of", "a broad spectrum of", or "a multitude of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a wide range of different"?

Yes, saying "a wide range of different" is often considered redundant because "range" already implies variety or difference. It's generally better to simply say ""a wide range of"".

How does "a wide range of" differ from "a large number of"?

"A wide range of" emphasizes variety and diversity, while "a large number of" focuses on quantity. You would use ""a wide range of"" when the differences between items are important, and "a large number of" when the sheer amount is the key factor.