an array of talents

USAGE SUMMARY

"an array of talents" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a variety of skills, abilities, or gifts that someone possesses. For example, "She has an array of talents, ranging from songwriting to painting to playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Éthiopiques gathers an array of talents, among them singer Mahmoud Ahmed, who lifted a BBC World award last year, Alemayehu Eshete, saxophonist Getatchew Mekurya, and 'Ethio-jazz' bandleader Mulatu Astatke.

The Guardian - Music

To his work Eisner brought an array of talents seldom united in one individual: the patience, perseverance and interpretive skills required for thorough fieldwork, the meticulous care, ingenuity and resourcefulness needed for the most rigorous laboratory experiments and the technical virtuosity and artistic flair of a first-class photographer.

The New York Times - Books

The players who have gathered in New Orleans for the Super Bowl took an array of talents with them — passing, running, chasing down quarterbacks — but little did they know that their most useful talent in the week leading up to the big game would be tightrope walking.

The New York Times - Sports

Together, she thought that they brought an "array of talents" to the production.

Wikipedia

Macpherson, too, has continued to showcase an array of talents, from her turn as executive producer of NBC's "Fashion Star" to her Elle Macpherson Intimates collection.

Huffington Post

The variety series showcases young performers with an array of talents, such as a 5-year-old animal hypnotist and a 6-year-old choir director.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Reduced squads may be a nuisance but, with an array of talent to choose from, it will not be crippling.

The Economist

Alabama has such an array of talent that it does not run an offense, per se — it just runs plays.

The New York Times - Sports

That such an array of talent could have made something so relentlessly unfunny, unlovable and utterly lacking in insight frankly beggars belief.

The Guardian - Film

For such an array of talent there was even a red carpet to walk down, past a row of journalists, cameramen and photographers.

The Guardian

Spain, as the only nation to claim three consecutive major tournaments – and with an array of talent who include Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva, Álvaro Negredo, Sergio Busquets and Iker Cassillas – will be favourites to top the group, though in Robin van Persie Holland have the leading scorer during the qualifying phase for European nations, with 11 goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group or individual, use "an array of talents" to effectively convey a diverse and impressive range of skills and abilities. This phrase suggests more than just competence; it implies a rich and varied skillset.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of talents" when referring to a single, specific skill. The phrase is most effective when describing a variety of different abilities, not just one area of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of talents" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a collection or range of skills and abilities possessed by an individual or group. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase effectively illustrates diverse skillsets, aligning with its primary function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an array of talents" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe a diverse set of skills and abilities, according to Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it is used across various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings. Alternatives like "a multitude of skills" or "a diverse skill set" can be used to convey similar meanings. The key is to ensure the phrase aligns with the intention of highlighting a range of skills rather than a singular expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function involves emphasizing versatility and competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of skills

Replaces "array" with "multitude" and "talents" with "skills", focusing on the variety of skills.

a diverse skill set

Highlights the diversity of the skills involved, rather than just their quantity.

a range of abilities

Emphasizes the spectrum of different abilities present.

a wealth of capabilities

Focuses on the abundance and richness of the capabilities.

a host of gifts

Uses "gifts" to emphasize the natural or innate nature of the talents.

a spectrum of proficiencies

Highlights the gradation and range of different levels of proficiency.

a collection of aptitudes

Suggests a curated or gathered group of aptitudes.

a battery of capabilities

Implies a comprehensive and powerful set of capabilities.

varied competencies

Uses a more formal tone to describe different areas of competence.

multiple fortes

Highlights the numerous strengths or areas of expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "an array of talents" to describe a person or group possessing many different skills, for example, "The team showcased "an array of talents" during the competition".

What are some alternatives to "an array of talents"?

Some alternatives include "a multitude of skills", "a diverse skill set", or "a range of abilities", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "an array of talent" instead of "an array of talents"?

While grammatically acceptable, "an array of talent" is less common and typically refers to a general pool of talent, rather than specific, varied skills. Using "talents" emphasizes the diverse nature of the abilities.

What is the difference between "an array of talents" and "a wealth of skills"?

"An array of talents" emphasizes the variety and diversity of the skills, while "a wealth of skills" highlights the abundance and richness of the skill set.