an ample selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ample selection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a variety of options or choices available in a particular context, such as shopping, dining, or services. Example: "The store offers an ample selection of organic products to cater to health-conscious customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Although most restaurants do not encourage the drinking of digestifs, most fine restaurants carry an ample selection.

The New York Times - Food

The corner shop has wrap-around windows and an ample selection of fashion magazines for waiting customers.

The New York Times - Style

There was an ample selection, in appealing colors and patterns, but there was absolutely no stiffness in the collar.

The New York Times

Or you can sample offerings from an ample selection of ready-made Russian foods, from blini to dumplings to stuffed cabbage.

The New York Times

All over her middle-class neighborhood, the stores were filled with an ample selection of goods, reflecting just how much Moscow has changed over the last two decades.

The New York Times

There, beyond tree-lined residential streets with compact Capes and colonials, was an ample selection of apartments, co-ops and condominiums, within their means and convenient to both their jobs and their families.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Venables and Bainbridge Books A worthwhile stop for all books Brontë- and Haworth-related, plus a more than ample selection of other genres.

The New York Times

As well an ample FOV selection was facilitated, while a TR/TE combination tested for optimum tissue contrast could be retained for all of the samples.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

There is the same 'mobile chicane' behaviour from AI opponents, the same idiosyncratic soundtrack selection, the same driving licence test-locked progression, and the same ample selection of Nissans.

The Guardian - Tech

If this massive endeavor reveals that Detroit is populated with grocery stores with ample selection of produce, I hope this project will once and for all empower Americans in low-income communities to see themselves as the authors of their long-term health.

Huffington Post

"American Vanguards" celebrates both of these fix-ups, with ample selections of Smith's early welded-metal sculptures and Davis's paintings of whirring gadgetry and mechanized cityscapes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "ample" is the most appropriate descriptor. While "ample" suggests a good quantity, other words like "extensive" or "generous" might be more fitting depending on the specific situation.

Common error

While "ample" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "sufficient", "generous", or "substantial" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ample selection" functions as a noun phrase, where "ample" modifies the noun "selection". It describes the quality or characteristic of the selection, indicating that it is sufficient or plentiful. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ample selection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a sufficient and varied range of options. As Ludwig confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and general-purpose writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "a generous selection" or "a plentiful choice" to avoid repetition. Keep in mind that while the term "ample" suggests a good quantity, other words may be a better fit for specific situations, and always consider the context for optimal clarity and impact. "Ample" suggests more than enough, but not necessarily an overwhelming amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a generous selection

Replaces "ample" with "generous", emphasizing abundance and willingness to provide.

a plentiful choice

Substitutes "selection" with "choice", focusing on the act of choosing from a large quantity.

a substantial array

Replaces "selection" with "array", suggesting a well-organized and significant collection.

a wide assortment

Uses "assortment" instead of "selection", highlighting the variety within the collection.

a considerable range

Replaces "selection" with "range", emphasizing the extent of options available.

a sufficient variety

Uses "sufficient" instead of "ample", implying that there is enough variety.

a large collection

Replaces both "ample" and "selection" with more general terms indicating quantity.

an abundant supply

Shifts the focus to the provision of a quantity, using "supply" instead of "selection".

a rich offering

Implies high quality and value in the selection, using "offering" to suggest a presentation of choices.

a comprehensive compilation

Focuses on the completeness and thoroughness of the selection, suggesting careful assembly.

FAQs

How can I use "an ample selection" in a sentence?

You can use "an ample selection" to describe a wide variety of options. For example, "The grocery store has "an ample selection" of fresh produce" or "The library offers "an ample selection" of books and movies".

What are some synonyms for "an ample selection"?

Alternatives to "an ample selection" include phrases like "a generous selection", "a plentiful choice", or "a substantial array", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ample selection" or "wide selection"?

Both "ample selection" and "wide selection" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Ample" suggests there is more than enough, while "wide" simply refers to the breadth of the selection. Use the term that better reflects the quantity and variety you want to describe.

What's the difference between "an ample selection" and "an abundant supply"?

"An ample selection" refers to a variety of choices, while "an abundant supply" refers to a large quantity of a specific item or resource. For example, a store might have "an ample selection of cheeses" and "an abundant supply of milk".