an exceptional selection of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional selection of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a variety of items or options that are of high quality or particularly noteworthy. Example: "The gallery features an exceptional selection of contemporary art pieces that are sure to impress visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The unusual wine list is arranged by price and includes an exceptional selection of hard-to-find bottles.

The New York Times - Arts

The Modern style is best featured in the show in an exceptional selection of precious objects like cigarette cases and vanity accessories.

The New York Times

Roberto Rogness, general manager of Wine Expo in Santa Monica, Calif., which offers an exceptional selection of sparkling wines, reports that even though cavas, crémants and other Champagne alternatives are selling "by the boatload," Champagne sales seem to be holding their own.

The New York Times

The display includes an exceptional selection of prints made by members of Die Bruecke, or the Bridge, a group of artists who worked together between 1905 and 1912, among them Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Emil Nolde.

The New York Times - Arts

BBC London reporter Emilia Papadopoulos is spending the night at Hounslow civic centre, from where she tweeted a picture of an exceptional selection of pastries, captioning the photo "Just in case we get hungry".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Take our word for it, there's an exceptional selection over there!

Vice

The fare is extraordinary: From the exceptional selection of breads to the voluptuous desserts, all are tops.

Forbes

When my wife returned from Paris recently, she brought with her a new book of exceptional importance: a selection of the last two years of Nietzsche's letters prior to his breakdown in 1889 the years that coincide with the writing of his short, radical books "Twilight of the Idols," "The Antichrist," "The Case of Wagner," and "Ecce Homo".

The New Yorker

In exceptional vintages, a selection of the best grapes is used to make Monfortino.

The New York Times - Food

Set up in the skeletal Oculus space, the installation lets visitors don a headset and watch a selection of exceptional and inventive VR creations. .

Vice

A selection of exceptional works from the old masters collection was first presented in Hamburg and is now on exhibit at the Altes Museum in Berlin through Feb. 28.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exceptional selection of", follow it with a noun that accurately reflects the type of items being described. For example, "an exceptional selection of wines", "an exceptional selection of books".

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional selection of" to describe everyday or ordinary items. This can weaken the impact of the phrase and sound hyperbolic. Instead, reserve it for items that are truly outstanding or unique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional selection of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., wines, books, artworks) is not just a regular selection, but one that stands out due to its quality or variety, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional selection of" is a phrase used to describe a collection of items that are of high quality or particularly noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is often found in news and media, with science being another common context. Alternatives such as "a remarkable assortment of" or "a distinguished collection of" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse with mundane items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable assortment of

Emphasizes the variety and impressiveness of the collection.

a distinguished collection of

Highlights the prestige and high quality of the items.

an outstanding array of

Stresses the impressive and varied nature of the selection.

a curated group of

Implies careful selection and expertise in choosing the items.

a choice compilation of

Emphasizes the careful gathering and quality of the selected items.

a premium range of

Focuses on the high-end quality and exclusivity of the selection.

a top-tier selection of

Highlights that the items are among the best available.

an elite collection of

Indicates that the items are exclusive and of superior quality.

a superior set of

Emphasizes the higher quality and standard of the items.

a fine selection of

Highlights the refined and high-quality nature of the items.

FAQs

How can I use "an exceptional selection of" in a sentence?

Use "an exceptional selection of" to describe a collection that stands out for its quality or variety. For example, "The museum boasts "an exceptional selection of" ancient artifacts."

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional selection of"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable assortment of", "a distinguished collection of", or "an outstanding array of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "an exceptional selection of excellent items"?

Yes, it can be redundant. The word "exceptional" already implies excellence, so saying "an exceptional selection of excellent items" is repetitive. Instead, just use ""an exceptional selection of" items."

Can I use "an exceptional selection of" to describe abstract things?

While typically used for tangible items, you can use ""an exceptional selection of"" for abstract things if they are presented as a collection. For example, "The program offers an exceptional selection of learning opportunities".