an array of countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse or varied selection of countries, often in contexts related to geography, politics, or international relations. Example: "The conference brought together an array of countries to discuss climate change and its global impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It won the help of an array of countries in a coordinated crackdown on the financial networks.

The New York Times

Moreover, Venezuela's government has announced dozens of oil-exploration and refining ventures with companies from an array of countries including Iran, Uruguay and China itself.

The New York Times

Adam has used Comenius funding from the British Council this year to create a multilateral international partnership/project that has allowed teachers to visit an array of countries and provided a shared curriculum for the pupils.

The Guardian

While Mr. Snowden remains in this suspended state, the United States has engaged an array of countries that have considered granting him asylum, making clear that doing so would carry big costs.

The New York Times

The Americans have close military ties to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and are strongly beefing up military co-operation with an array of countries in the Sahelian belt in their war against Islamist terrorism.

The Economist

After months of resisting, federal prosecutors today identified an array of countries, from Australia to Switzerland to China, as some of the nations that a scientist accused of mishandling nuclear weapons secrets from the Los Alamos National Laboratory might have tried to assist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Besides the big-city dealers, they asked an array of country dealers to come to New York with more-affordable merchandise.

The New York Times - Arts

With a set list drawn from the new album and a few older ones, chiefly "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood," the group finessed an array of country waltzes, heartland hymns and foreboding ballads.

The New York Times - Arts

June 11-13 WHY The final three days of the CMA Music Festival-Fan Fair will assemble an array of country music stars, including Brooks and Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, Clint Black and Glen Campbell, for nightly concerts at the Coliseum (tickets $25 through Ticketmaster), daytime concerts on the riverfront ($12 at the gate) and after-hours concerts at local clubs.

The New York Times - Travel

To identify the link between income inequality and mortality, we adjusted for an array of country characteristics.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Second-hand clothes from an array of developed countries dominate local market stalls in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an array of countries", ensure the context clearly indicates why the variety of countries is significant. For example, "The research project involved an array of countries to capture diverse perspectives on climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "an array of countries" when a simpler phrase like "various countries" or "several countries" would suffice. Overusing "array" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of countries" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a collection of multiple nations, emphasizing their diversity. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an array of countries" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a diverse collection of nations. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, functioning as a noun phrase to highlight variety and broad scope. While correct, it is less frequently used. Consider alternatives like "a variety of nations" or "various countries" for conciseness, and be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variety of nations

Replaces "array" with "variety", offering a more general selection.

a range of countries

Substitutes "array" with "range", indicating a spectrum of countries.

a selection of countries

Replaces "array" with "selection", focusing on a deliberate choice of countries.

a diverse group of countries

Emphasizes the diversity within the group of countries.

various countries

A more concise way of expressing multiple countries.

multiple nations

Simple substitution, indicating more than one nation.

several countries

Highlights that there are a few, but not many, countries.

a collection of countries

Indicates a grouping or set of countries.

a multitude of countries

Implies a large number of countries.

a host of countries

Suggests a large and impressive gathering of countries.

FAQs

What does "an array of countries" mean?

The phrase "an array of countries" refers to a diverse or varied collection of countries, often implying a deliberate selection or representation.

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

You can use alternatives like "a variety of nations", "a range of countries", or "various countries" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an array of countries" or "various countries"?

Both phrases are correct, but "an array of countries" suggests a more organized or intentional selection, while "various countries" simply indicates multiple different countries. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

How to use "an array of countries" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to describe diverse participation or representation, such as, "The international conference included representatives from an array of countries." Examples and guidance can be found above.