an arsenal of

USAGE SUMMARY

'an arsenal of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large amount of something, particularly weapons or other tools. For example, "He had an arsenal of knives in his kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vanguard has an arsenal of antigaming weapons.

The New York Times

-- each an arsenal of area talent.

The New York Times

Instead, he gave critics and comedians an arsenal of ammunition.

The New York Times

How'd you come to have an arsenal of instruments?

The New York Times - Arts

"It is an arsenal of war," the Algerian official said.

The New York Times

Donald Zimmerman, 64, has built an arsenal of coping skills.

The New York Times

"The police discovered an arsenal of weapons of war.

The Guardian

Instead, Dr. Zimmer offers an arsenal of less drastic remedies.

The New York Times - Health

The NSA had an arsenal of hacking tools dubbed NOBUS.

MIT Technology Review

He also managed to acquire an arsenal of lethal weapons.

The Guardian - Books

Architects have an arsenal of particular techniques to bring new structures into the world.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an arsenal of" to emphasize a comprehensive and often strategic collection of resources, tools, or skills. It implies readiness and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "an arsenal of" when simply describing a large quantity without the connotation of readiness or strategic application. Alternatives like "a wide range of" or "a plethora of" might be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arsenal of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a large and comprehensive collection of something, often implying a strategic or powerful set of resources, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an arsenal of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a large and comprehensive collection, often implying a strategic advantage. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science and general writing. While it's suitable for both formal and informal settings, be mindful of the connotations and ensure they align with your intended message. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the breadth and readiness of available resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wealth of

Emphasizes abundance and richness rather than a collection of tools or weapons.

an abundance of

Directly states that there is a plentiful supply of something.

a plethora of

Highlights an excessive or overabundant amount.

a vast array of

Focuses on the wide variety and impressive display of items.

a wide range of

Indicates a diverse selection or spectrum of options.

a multitude of

Suggests a great number of items or elements.

a cornucopia of

Implies an overflowing supply, often associated with abundance and harvest.

a storehouse of

Implies a reserve or repository of valuable resources.

a hoard of

Suggests a hidden or carefully guarded collection.

a stockpile of

Emphasizes a reserve of materials, often for strategic purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "an arsenal of" in a sentence?

You can use "an arsenal of" to describe a large and impressive collection of resources or tools, such as "The company developed "an arsenal of" marketing strategies to target different demographics."

What are some alternatives to "an arsenal of"?

You can use alternatives like "a wealth of", "a plethora of", or "a wide range of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is appropriate to use "an arsenal of" in formal writing, especially when emphasizing a strategic or comprehensive collection. However, consider the specific connotation and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "an arsenal of" and "a collection of"?

"An arsenal of" implies a more strategic and impressive collection, often with a sense of readiness or power. "A collection of" is a more neutral term for a group of items.