an eclectic array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an eclectic array of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse and varied selection of items, ideas, or styles. Example: "The festival featured an eclectic array of music genres, from jazz to electronic dance music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Arts

Lifestyle

Opinion

Books

Film

Style

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Gingrich Group advises an eclectic array of companies.

The New York Times

After graduating in 1957 he held an eclectic array of jobs, including lumberjack and encyclopedia salesman.

The New York Times - Arts

They carried an eclectic array of rods, nets, buckets and coolers.

The New York Times - Sports

Paramaribo's painted-bus pantheon certainly has an eclectic array of ideologies.

The New York Times

The beach town on the Mexican Riviera has long attracted an eclectic array of outlaws, dreamers and dropouts.

The New York Times - Travel

He left the house's exterior rotting and peeling away, and left the grounds piled with an eclectic array of stuff.

The New York Times

More than just a style, it was newness itself, in an eclectic array of seductively material forms.

The New York Times - Arts

"There needs to be an eclectic array of pieces that chimes with different guests, and works as a whole".

Independent

The 80-foot party boat, packed to the gunnels with an eclectic array of tackle and salty fishermen, headed due east to deep ocean waters.

The New York Times

This informally landscaped garden and arboretum is best known for its glasshouses and plant collections, but it is also home to an eclectic array of exhibits and facilities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soon we were enjoying stories by an eclectic array of writers — Kate Chopin, Nikolai Gogol, H.G. Wells, and Angelica Gorodischer among them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an eclectic array of" to introduce a list of items or concepts that are notably diverse and come from various sources or styles. It adds a touch of sophistication and specificity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an eclectic array of" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a diverse collection of" or "a varied assortment of" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an eclectic array of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the noun as consisting of a diverse and varied collection of items or ideas. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing it introduces diverse elements, as showcased in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

10%

Travel

4%

Less common in

Arts

4%

Lifestyle

1%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an eclectic array of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a diverse collection of items or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, its appropriate usage spans various contexts, notably in news, academic and travel-related content. While interchangeable with synonyms like "a diverse collection of" or "a varied assortment of", "an eclectic array of" adds a specific nuance of thoughtfully curated diversity. Avoiding overuse and recognizing its distinction from phrases implying randomness are key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diverse assortment of

Replaces "eclectic" with "diverse" and "array" with "assortment", emphasizing variety.

a varied collection of

Uses "varied" instead of "eclectic" and "collection" instead of "array", highlighting differences within the group.

a wide selection of

Substitutes "eclectic" with "wide" and "array" with "selection", focusing on the breadth of choices.

an assortment of diverse

Swaps the order and emphasizes diversity after the assortment.

a range of various

Replaces "eclectic array" with "range of various", indicating a spectrum of different items.

a mixed bag of

Uses the idiomatic expression "mixed bag" to convey a collection with diverse elements.

a hodgepodge of

Replaces with a single word that means the same, which is "hodgepodge".

a potpourri of

Uses the term "potpourri" to suggest a collection of diverse elements blended together.

a miscellany of

Offers "miscellany" as a formal alternative, indicating a collection of varied items.

a grab bag of

Presents an informal, more casual option for a diverse collection.

FAQs

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

You can use "an eclectic array of" to describe a diverse collection of items or ideas. For example, "The museum showcased "an eclectic array of" artifacts from different cultures."

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

You can use alternatives like "a diverse collection of", "a varied assortment of", or "a wide selection of depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "eclectic mix of"?

While not strictly wrong, "eclectic mix of" can be considered slightly redundant, as "eclectic" already implies a mix or variety. Using ""an eclectic array of"" avoids this potential redundancy.

What distinguishes "an eclectic array of" from "a random assortment of"?

"An eclectic array of" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful selection from various sources or styles, while "a random assortment of" implies a haphazard or unplanned collection. The former carries a sense of curated diversity, the latter, chance.