an array of plates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of plates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection or variety of plates, often in a context related to dining or display. Example: "The buffet featured an array of plates, each showcasing a different cuisine from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mechanical plate resonance is used to track the frequency change using an array of plates with varying resonant frequencies.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Typical stegosaurid traits included the elongation and flatness of the head, the powerful build of the forelimbs, erect and pillar-like hindlimbs and an array of plates and spikes running along both sides of the top mid-line of the animal.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each experiment used an array of seven plates, and each plate was treated with combinations of compounds.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Owner Justin Ross, who'd worked at Zaytinya and Jaleo in DC, is as affable as they come and truly enjoys suggesting an array of small plates, engagingly prepared and plated by Chef Mike Isabella.

HuffPost

You can get six different kinds of burgers, an array of small plates, plus a selection of main courses.

The Guardian - Music

The bright white dining room, with marble tables and touches of butter yellow, has shelves that display an array of commemorative plates from the museum's collection.

The New York Times - Food

Systematic microstructural investigations reveal that heterogeneous duplex structure in Ti Sn and Ti Sn Fe alloys consisting of an array of Ti3Sn plates surrounding the duplex colony and ultrafine twin results from solid-state decomposition of supersaturated β-Ti into α-Ti + Ti3Sn phases.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Each dish is beautifully presented on an array of attractive plates.

Los Angeles Times

Order an array of small plates — skewers, rice dishes, salad, critters terrestrial and feathered or shelled and finned — and if sake isn't your thing, whiskey and beer appear in abundance.

Los Angeles Times

A pleasantly sweet pomegranate marinated quail ($13) with an array of ambitious plate mates (tropical fruit mojo, spicy pecans, crystallized ginger, brown and wild rice pilaf) was a perfect fit for Taste's Euro-American-Asian lineup.

The New York Times

This work investigates the feasibility of the use of an array of welded plate heat exchangers of a material approved by ASME for pressure barrier (Ti-3Al-2.5V) in a hypothetical naval reactor.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an array of plates" in a dining context, ensure that the plates complement the food being served, both in size and style.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of plates" to describe abstract collections or non-physical items. The phrase is most effective when referring to actual plates that can be visually arranged or displayed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of plates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an array of plates" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a collection or assortment of plates. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is primarily as a noun phrase, and it serves to describe the variety or arrangement of plates in different contexts. While neutral in register, it finds frequent use in News & Media and Science. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a selection of plates" or "a variety of plates". When writing, remember to use the phrase to describe physical arrangements of plates and ensure the plates match the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of plates

Replaces "array" with "collection", focusing on the assembled nature of the plates.

a selection of plates

Substitutes "array" with "selection", emphasizing the choice aspect.

a range of plates

Replaces "array" with "range", highlighting the variety within the plates.

an assortment of plates

Uses "assortment" instead of "array", stressing the diverse nature of the plates.

a variety of plates

Changes "array" to "variety", indicating differences among the plates.

a display of plates

Replaces "array" with "display", emphasizing the presentation of the plates.

a set of plates

Substitutes "array" with "set", focusing on a coordinated or matching collection.

multiple plates

Simplifies the phrase to indicate more than one plate.

several plates

Uses "several" to indicate a number of plates, without specifying the arrangement.

a number of plates

Emphasizes the quantity of plates.

FAQs

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

You can use "an array of plates" to describe a collection or variety of plates, such as "The restaurant featured an array of plates from different regions of Italy".

What's the difference between "an array of plates" and "a collection of plates"?

While both phrases refer to multiple plates, "a collection of plates" suggests a more curated or intentionally gathered group, whereas "an array of plates" simply indicates a variety or arrangement.

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

Alternatives include "a selection of plates", "a variety of plates", or "a range of plates", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "an array of plate" grammatically correct instead of "an array of plates"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The term "array" refers to a collection or arrangement, so it should be followed by the plural noun "plates" to indicate multiple plates.