an array of instruments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of instruments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety of tools or devices available for a specific purpose, often in contexts related to music, science, or technology. Example: "The orchestra was equipped with an array of instruments, including violins, trumpets, and percussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

To do this, the University offers an array of instruments.

Princeton University

Japanese scientists deployed an array of instruments along the Tokai fault near Tokyo.

The New York Times - Science

Cassini the spacecraft is twenty-two feet long, with an array of instruments and a big white antenna poking out.

The New Yorker

It has an array of instruments on one end and four solar-power panels forming a cross on the other.

The New York Times - Science

The Weaver's Cottage displays an array of instruments and tools associated with wool working, while in the Barn, visitors can learn about the crofting system.

The Guardian - Travel

His is music that defies easy categorisation with its array of mysterious sounds coaxed from an array of instruments and items best described as unexpected.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In a nod to the idiom of the Baroque concerto grosso, there is a small ensemble of solo instruments that joins with the cello, including two percussionists (here Jamey Haddad and Cyro Baptista) playing an array of folkloric instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

Fang likens them to an array of wind instruments, such as the pipes in an organ.

MIT Technology Review

Amid an array of percussion instruments were eight Disklaviers, Yamaha's hybrid of a concert grand piano and a computer.

The New York Times - Arts

Orchestrions, which attach an array of wind instruments to a similar mechanism, are the next evolutionary step.

The Guardian - Music

It's decidedly not Elton John, mixing Balinese, gamelan and jazz influences, along with an array of unusual instruments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "array". It suggests a carefully arranged or impressive collection. If a more casual or disorganized collection is meant, alternatives like "a range of" or "a selection of" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of instruments" if the instruments are limited or unimpressive in variety. The phrase implies a substantial and diverse collection. Using it in contexts where this isn't true can sound awkward or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of instruments" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a collection or group of tools or devices, often with a specific purpose or function. Ludwig AI examples show it in various scientific and musical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an array of instruments" is a noun phrase used to describe a diverse collection of tools or devices, commonly in scientific, musical, and technical contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various sources, including news media, academia, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context to avoid overstating the variety or impressiveness of the collection. Alternatives like "a range of instruments" or "a selection of instruments" might be more appropriate in some cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of instruments

Replaces "array" with "set", suggesting a more defined or organized collection.

a collection of instruments

Substitutes "array" with "collection", a more general term for a group of items.

a range of instruments

Uses "range" to highlight the diversity and variety within the instruments.

a selection of instruments

Emphasizes the act of choosing specific instruments from a larger group.

an assortment of instruments

Replaces "array" with "assortment", implying a varied and diverse collection.

a suite of instruments

Implies a coordinated or complementary set of instruments, often for a specific purpose.

a battery of instruments

Suggests a powerful or comprehensive set of instruments, possibly for scientific or technical use.

a cluster of instruments

Emphasizes the close proximity or grouping of the instruments.

a compilation of instruments

Implies that the instruments have been gathered from various sources or origins.

an arsenal of instruments

Metaphorically uses "arsenal" to suggest a large and potentially formidable collection, implying preparedness or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "an array of instruments" to describe a collection of tools or devices, particularly in scientific, musical, or technical contexts. For example, "The lab was equipped with "an array of instruments" for analyzing samples."

What are some alternatives to using "an array of instruments"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a range of instruments", "a selection of instruments", or "a collection of instruments".

Is it better to say "an array of instruments" or "a variety of instruments"?

Both phrases are correct, but "an array of instruments" suggests a more organized or impressive collection. "A variety of instruments" is more general and simply indicates different types of instruments.

Can "an array of instruments" refer to non-physical tools?

While primarily used for physical tools or devices, "an array of instruments" can be metaphorically used to describe a collection of methods or techniques, but this usage is less common. It's more common to use this phrase for physical objects.