an array of dishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of dishes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety of different food items presented together, often in a buffet or meal setting. Example: "The restaurant offered an array of dishes, including pasta, seafood, and vegetarian options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Many were wines that I would gladly open with an array of dishes.

The New York Times

A primrose light beams through an apparent window from a mock second- class post-impressionist outdoors; indoors is an array of dishes, langoustines, moules, salade Niçoise, snails with garlic butter.

The Guardian

How do you make a device that lasts five years, cooks an array of dishes, burns wood cleanly enough to keep your kitchen free of smoke, yet costs less than ten dollars?

The New Yorker

In a second-floor dining room with tall windows and wide-plank floors, an array of dishes, almost 40 of them, were laid out on a lunchtime buffet, each carefully labeled with names that were sometimes comprehensible, sometimes not.

The New York Times - Food

For serious potato-eaters, vendors will offer for purchase an array of dishes, including cheddar potato soup, seafood potato chowder, sweet potato pie, garlic-mashed potatoes, stuffed potatoes and French fries.

The New York Times

And on Sept. 23, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg will be open to host five teams of chefs and food vendors preparing an array of dishes, with music, and Pierre Hermé will make desserts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Colin Greenwood hovered over the catering table, inspecting an array of Basque dishes.

The New Yorker

The facility began operating in 2007 with an array of 42 dishes.

MIT Technology Review

Here are four ways to transform a humble pan of kidney beans into an array of comforting dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The result is an imposed "healthy break" at the festival, with organisers planning "an array of vegetarian dishes".

The Guardian - Music

One day after I had prepared an array of different dishes he showed me an old photo of a real Syrian banquet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple dishes at an event or restaurant, use "an array of dishes" to suggest a visually appealing and well-organized presentation of food items.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of dishes" when referring to a small or limited selection of food. The phrase suggests a considerable variety, so ensure the context reflects genuine abundance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of dishes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As supported by Ludwig AI, it describes a collection of diverse food items.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an array of dishes" is a grammatically correct and useful way to describe a diverse and organized selection of food items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a considerable variety of dishes. Alternative phrases like "a variety of dishes" or "a selection of dishes" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. While not extremely common, "an array of dishes" is a versatile expression for describing culinary offerings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variety of dishes

Replaces "array" with "variety", focusing on diversity without implying arrangement.

a selection of dishes

Substitutes "array" with "selection", highlighting a curated choice of food items.

a range of dishes

Uses "range" instead of "array", suggesting a spectrum of different dishes.

an assortment of dishes

Replaces "array" with "assortment", emphasizing a collection of diverse items.

a collection of dishes

Emphasizes the gathering of dishes, focusing on their combined presence.

a spread of dishes

Implies dishes are laid out, emphasizing presentation or buffet style.

a banquet of dishes

Suggests a luxurious and abundant display of food, more formal.

a multitude of dishes

Highlights a large quantity of dishes, emphasizing abundance.

a cornucopia of dishes

Invokes the image of overflowing abundance, often in a celebratory context.

diverse culinary offerings

More formal and abstract; refers to the variety in a restaurant or menu.

FAQs

How can I use "an array of dishes" in a sentence?

You can use "an array of dishes" to describe a wide variety of food presented together, such as "The buffet featured "an array of dishes" from around the world".

What phrases are similar to "an array of dishes"?

Similar phrases include "a variety of dishes", "a selection of dishes", or "a range of dishes", each emphasizing different aspects of the food presentation.

Is it better to say "an array of dishes" or "a lot of dishes"?

"An array of dishes" suggests a carefully organized and diverse presentation, while "a lot of dishes" simply indicates a large quantity. The choice depends on the specific context and intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "an array of dishes" and "a spread of dishes"?

"An array of dishes" emphasizes the variety and arrangement of food, while "a spread of dishes" suggests an abundant and generous offering, typically laid out for a meal or event.