an array of books

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of books" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse collection or selection of books available for reading or reference. Example: "The library had an array of books on various subjects, catering to all interests and age groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There's masses to do, especially for kids, with swimming pool, table tennis and an array of books and toys.

The Guardian - Travel

In 2007, President George W. Bush stood framed by an array of books to inform the nation that he was sending additional troops to Iraq.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1988, he assigned exclusive worldwide rights to the images in the library to a California businesswoman named Elaine Peconi, who planned to license an array of books, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, film, and CD-ROMs.

The New Yorker

William was a highly regarded historian who applied his writing, editing and design talents to an array of books, magazines, encyclopedias and technical manuals in the fields of photography and magic.

The New York Times

After winnowing out the first editions and rare and otherwise desirable books, the chaff is sent to the cellar or put out in the arcade, either on the central table, where there is an array of books for ten dollars or three dollars or five dollars on changing subjects (art, cooking, history, biography, mysteries, say), or in a pair of bookcases in back marked "Sale $1".

The New Yorker

He also has an array of books and pamphlets available and, without any soliciting on my part, he quickly offered to sell me copies of the president's autopsy photographs "autographed" - as he put it - by one of the technicians who had assisted.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Its stable of graphic artists produced an array of book-length stories that combined science fiction, horror and erotica.

The New York Times - Books

It's not just shelves of records, tapes, and CDs pushing out from every corner, but tens of thousands of reggae photographs, 30,000 reggae fliers from all over the world, 2,000 reggae posters (many of them signed by the original artists), 140 cubic feet of alphabetized clippings, and an array of invaluable books and magazines, including the full 48-year run of Rolling Stone.

Huffington Post

Many publishers such as Travel Guide, Teach Yourself, and Assimil offer an array of phrase books, textbooks, tapes, CDs, and other learning materials to get you started learning Punjabi.

WikiHow

Ellyn Shook has an array of meetings booked for next week with just one person: Ellyn Shook. .

Huffington Post

Richard A. Posner, a federal judge on the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School and the author of an extraordinary array of books on law and society, has written a powerful defense of the ruling in "Breaking the Deadlock," to be published in September and available this month as an e-book at Barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an array of books", consider the context. If you want to emphasize variety, it's a good choice. If you simply mean 'a group', a simpler term like "collection" might be better.

Common error

While "array" is a valid word, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "range", "selection", or "variety" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of books" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As supported by Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies a diverse and organized selection of books. This usage highlights the variety and scope of the available reading material.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an array of books" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a collection of books, often emphasizing its diversity and organization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a collection of books" or "a selection of books" exist, "an array of books" carries a slightly more formal and descriptive tone. It's important to avoid overusing "array" to prevent your writing from sounding pretentious. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "an array of books" to enhance your writing and convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of books

This alternative is a more general term, simply indicating a group of books.

a selection of books

This suggests a curated or deliberately chosen group of books.

a range of books

This highlights the variety or scope of the books available.

a variety of books

Similar to "a range of books", this emphasizes diversity within the group.

a multitude of books

This phrase indicates a large quantity of books.

an assortment of books

This suggests a diverse but possibly unordered collection.

a library of books

While technically redundant, implies a vast and comprehensive collection.

a wealth of books

This emphasizes the value or richness of the book collection.

a compilation of books

Suggests a selection of books brought together from various sources.

extensive book collection

This alternative phrase puts the emphasis on the scope and size of the overall collection.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "an array of books"?

You can use alternatives like "a collection of books", "a selection of books", or "a variety of books" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "an array of books" in a sentence?

The phrase is used to describe a diverse collection of books. For example: "The library offers "an array of books" on different topics", or "She was impressed by "an array of books" on display at the bookstore".

Is it better to use "an array of books" or "a collection of books"?

Both phrases are correct, but "an array of books" suggests a diverse and organized collection, while "a collection of books" is a more general term for any group of books. The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between "an array of books" and "a library of books"?

"An array of books" refers to a diverse selection, possibly curated or organized. "A library of books" suggests a much larger and more comprehensive collection, often implying a formal or institutional setting.