a wide range of materials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide range of materials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a variety of different types of materials available for a specific purpose or context. Example: "The art supply store offers a wide range of materials, including paints, brushes, and canvases."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several varieties of the technique exist, using a wide range of materials as the "ink".

The Economist

Hospitals must have medicines and a wide range of materials and supplies ready for use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Knowlton makes spheres out of a wide range of materials and in a range of sizes.

The New York Times

Clays used in brickmaking represent a wide range of materials that include varying percentages of silica and alumina.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The works on display represent a wide range of materials, from clay, wood and wire to found material, such as buttons and driftwood.

The New York Times

The museum is designed to contain a wide range of materials, both from Lucas's own cinematic work and his substantial art collection.

The Guardian

Behind them are a wide range of materials, saved from being thrown away – including fabric, metal and wood – that the museum makes available to turn into sculptures.

The Guardian - Travel

Greenwald notes that the files address a comment by Snowden that he could access a wide range of materials from his desk.

The Guardian

Because such a wide range of materials was sampled, Dr Parkin's group had a unique database of the effects of various combinations of materials for careful study.

The Economist

They were made in a wide range of materials, including earthenware, porcelain, silver, and glass, and also in more perishable materials such as leather.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The I.B.M. research is in a field known as correlated electron systems, which explores a wide range of materials that exhibit unusual electronic or magnetic behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wide range of materials", ensure that the context clearly indicates what these materials are used for or their relevance to the subject matter. Be specific in subsequent descriptions to highlight the diversity and utility of the materials you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "a wide range of materials" as a vague filler. If you cannot provide specific examples or categories of materials, consider rephrasing to address the properties or functions the materials enable, rather than just their existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide range of materials" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating the diversity or variety of substances or components available or utilized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to describe an assortment of resources in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide range of materials" is a versatile phrase used to denote variety and diversity in substances or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its suitability for both technical and general communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context and relevance of the materials you are referencing. Alternatives such as "a diverse array of materials" or "a broad spectrum of materials" can add nuance, but the core meaning remains consistent: that of a diverse set of options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse array of materials

Replaces "wide range" with "diverse array", emphasizing the variety and assortment of materials available.

a broad spectrum of materials

Substitutes "wide range" with "broad spectrum", highlighting the comprehensive and extensive nature of the materials.

a comprehensive selection of materials

Replaces "wide range" with "comprehensive selection", stressing the completeness and inclusiveness of the material choices.

an extensive collection of materials

Changes "wide range" to "extensive collection", emphasizing the vast quantity and accumulation of materials.

a varied assortment of materials

Replaces "wide range" with "varied assortment", focusing on the different kinds and types of materials.

a multitude of materials

Substitutes "wide range" with "multitude", highlighting the numerous quantity of materials available.

a plethora of materials

Replaces "wide range" with "plethora", emphasizing an abundance and oversupply of materials.

a host of materials

Changes "wide range" to "host", suggesting a large number of materials available.

an array of diverse materials

Combines "array" and "diverse" to emphasize both the variety and the distinct nature of the materials.

a spectrum of varied materials

Uses both "spectrum" and "varied" to emphasize the breadth and diversity of the available materials.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide range of materials" to indicate variety and diversity. For example, "The artist uses "a wide range of materials", including paint, clay, and found objects."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a diverse array of materials", "a broad spectrum of materials", or "an extensive collection of materials" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a wide range of material" or "a wide range of materials"?

It is generally correct to say "a wide range of materials" because "materials" is usually a plural noun when referring to different types of substances. "Material" can be used in a more general sense.

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

While similar, "a wide range of materials" emphasizes the diversity and variety available. "A wide selection of materials" focuses more on the act of choosing from the available options.