an array of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety or collection of items, concepts, or ideas. Example: "The store offers an array of things, from clothing to electronics, catering to all customer needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Marie A. Domenici of Dix Hills said, "We're finding an array of things".

The New York Times

When we were initially talking about the show, I think we thought that we'd try an array of things and see what worked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Lefevre's bedroom under the eaves had a tall dark chest with an array of things on top she had never seen before: a china perfume tray, a monogrammed dresser set, a box of collars.

The New York Times

And at Trixie & Peanut, near Gramercy Park, he found an array of things to admire, from playful beds and carriers to an indoor doghouse with a walnut exterior, a removable base and chrome legs — a piece that he said would work well in almost any interior.

The New York Times

There's an array of things it could be.

Huffington Post

"You're not going to have power tools to do an array of things like a skin graft," he said in a phone interview.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And at a time when a handbag may cost more than a subcompact car, $100 can purchase an array of beautiful things.

The New York Times - Style

Some Googling turned up an array of wonderful things, chief among them FindSounds.com, which does what it sounds like it should.

The New Yorker

"In a bill put before parliament, 19 behaviour methods have gone down to six to make a cogent set of measures to address antisocial behaviour with dogs and an array of other things," he said.

The Guardian

It's not dissimilar from the HBO model, which boils down to having an array of different things that cause an array of different kinds of people to want to subscribe, ideally for the long term.

Huffington Post

It may help if you put out an array of interesting things.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an array of things" when you want to convey a sense of variety or diversity without being overly specific about the items themselves. This phrase works well as a general descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of things" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terminology would be expected. In such cases, specify the types of items you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of things" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a general descriptor for a diverse collection. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an array of things" serves as a noun phrase to describe a diverse collection of items or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, most commonly appearing in News & Media. While versatile, its generality might not be ideal for formal or technical writing where specificity is preferred. Consider alternative expressions such as "a variety of items" or "a range of products" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a range of items

Replaces "array" with "range", suggesting a selection from a spectrum.

a variety of objects

Substitutes "array" with "variety", emphasizing diversity.

a collection of items

Uses "collection" instead of "array", highlighting a gathered group.

a multitude of objects

Emphasizes a large quantity with "multitude".

a diverse assortment of things

Adds emphasis on the heterogeneous nature of the items.

an assortment of items

Similar to variety, focuses on diverse categories.

a selection of products

Specifically applicable when referring to items for sale or choice.

a spectrum of options

Implies a continuous series or range of possibilities.

a compilation of elements

Suggests a more structured gathering of components.

a mixed bag of goods

An idiomatic expression implying a somewhat random collection.

FAQs

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

You can use "an array of things" to describe a collection of diverse items. For example, "The museum displayed "an array of things" from ancient artifacts to modern art."

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

You can use alternatives like "a variety of items", "a collection of objects", or "a range of products" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an array of things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an array of things" may be considered too general for formal writing. Consider using more specific terms that accurately describe the items or concepts you're referring to, or use the more formal version: "a multitude of items".

What is the difference between "an array of things" and "a collection of items"?

"An array of things" generally implies a diverse assortment, while "a collection of items" suggests a more curated or related group. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.