an extensive assortment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive assortment of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a wide variety or large selection of items or options available in a particular context. Example: "The store offers an extensive assortment of books, ranging from fiction to non-fiction and everything in between."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Which isn't to say that there aren't some great pieces to be had, such as "Cake-Walk," a vibrantly colored Expressionist lithograph by Kirchner (from his Dresden period) at Sotheby's sale (May 3-4); the auction opens with an extensive assortment of Whistler prints from the collection of Dr. George S. van Houten.

The New Yorker

jWIN acquired the exclusive rights to produce and market in numerous countries throughout the world an extensive assortment of peripherals for PC's, console games, mobile phones, audio/video as well as telephones, certain laptop carrying cases and cleaning care accessories starting January 2010.

TechCrunch

Historical documents, starting from ancient records to data from the mid-twentieth century and numerous literature reviews form an extensive assortment of examples that show how soil erosion has been perceived previously by scholars, land surveyors, farmers, land owners, researchers, and policy makers.

Geomorphology

River otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2-50 cm that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The University of Basel puts a strong emphasis on the subject, and its quaint Pharmacy Museum, which portrays the world's most extensive assortment of pharmaceutical pieces, should not be missed.

BBC

The complexity of carbohydrate metabolism is in part explained by the extensive assortment of carbohydrate compounds and their diverse stereochemistry.

BMC Genomics

In the days leading up to the Olympics, several British oddsmakers feverishly promoted their extensive betting offerings, trumpeting lines on every event at the Games as well as a wide assortment of exotic bets.

The New York Times

A wide assortment of biomotors and cellular pores in living organisms perform diverse biological functions.

Nano Today

By reading, writing and playing a wide assortment of games.

Huffington Post

There definitely must be a very wide assortment of characters.

WikiHow

"The addition of the HTC Hero to our already extensive assortment allows our customers the convenience of comparing this new phone with other popular smart phones, such as the iPhone 3Gs, Palm Pre and Blackberry Tour, side-by-side and under one roof".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive assortment of", consider the context. It implies a large and varied collection, so ensure the items you're describing truly fit this description.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive assortment of" if the selection is actually quite limited. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive assortment of" typically functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate a large and diverse collection. It specifies the kind of variety or selection being referred to, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive assortment of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a large and varied collection of items. As per Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news, media, science, and wiki contexts. While less frequent overall, when you need to convey the idea of a diverse and comprehensive selection, this phrase offers a strong choice. Remember to use it accurately; ensure that the variety you are describing is genuinely broad to maintain credibility. Some alternatives phrases are "a wide array of", "a diverse range of", or "a comprehensive collection of", to enhance and diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide array of

Focuses on a broad and impressive collection, emphasizing visual appeal.

a diverse range of

Highlights the variety and heterogeneity within the collection.

a broad selection of

Emphasizes the act of choosing from a large group.

a comprehensive collection of

Implies a complete and thorough compilation.

a considerable variety of

Stresses the significant degree of difference within the group.

a great diversity of

Similar to a diverse range, but with more emphasis on diversity.

a multitude of

Suggests a very large number, but without specific focus on assortment.

a vast number of

Highlights the large quantity, potentially lacking the organized aspect of assortment.

a wide spectrum of

Implies a full range of different options or items.

an expansive compilation of

Conveys a sense of thoroughness and broadness in the collection.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive assortment of" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive assortment of" to describe a wide variety of items, options, or things. For instance: "The museum features "an extensive assortment of" artifacts from ancient civilizations".

What can I say instead of "an extensive assortment of"?

Alternatives to "an extensive assortment of" include "a wide array of", "a diverse range of", or "a comprehensive collection of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "extensive" or "wide" when describing an assortment?

"Extensive" implies a thorough or comprehensive variety, while "wide" suggests a broad range. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the depth or the breadth of the assortment. For a broader range, you can consider using "a wide assortment of" instead.

How formal is the phrase "an extensive assortment of"?

The phrase "an extensive assortment of" is relatively formal and suitable for professional writing, academic papers, or any context where precise and descriptive language is valued. You can also use synonyms like "a wide selection of" or "a broad range of" in the same context.