an vast array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an vast array of" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "vast" is "a" because "vast" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "The museum features a vast array of exhibits from different cultures."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The local signalling as a consequence to these inflammatory molecules results in the expression of an vast array of protease and consequent degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) of the articular cartilage and the adjacent bone [ 1, 2].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I have a cornucopia — a vast array of humiliating gear.

The New York Times

It plays a critical role in a vast array of acute and chronic diseases.

The New York Times - Health

It remains a comprehensive university offering a vast array of courses from art history to neuroscience.

The Guardian

Obesity itself makes a child vulnerable to a vast array of health risks, similar to malnutrition.

Huffington Post

Ranked lists of genes are a common output of a vast array of bioinformatics tools.

Bioinformatics

For users, Central Portal offers a central repository for a vast array of biological data.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The best part is, there are a vast array of resources at an entrepreneur's disposal.

Huffington Post

She lays out a vast array of recipes, like a vendor's wares.

The New York Times - Food

Denton and Morris have orchestrated a vast array of sources into a nuanced indictment.

The New York Times - Books

A John F. Kennedy Citizens Memorial Committee began meeting, considering a vast array of commemorative possibilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct article "a" instead of "an" before "vast" because "vast" starts with a consonant sound. For example, use "a vast array of options".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words starting with a consonant sound. Remember that the article "a" is generally used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. Therefore, it is always "a vast array", not "an vast array".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an vast array of" (grammatically incorrect) attempts to function as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, aiming to quantify and describe a collection. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, the indefinite article usage is flawed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an vast array of" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "a vast array of". This error stems from using "an" before a word that begins with a consonant sound. Despite its incorrectness, the phrase's intended meaning – to describe a large and diverse collection – is usually clear from context. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical error. While the phrase appears across various sources, including news and media, academic papers, and general content, remember to use the grammatically correct form "a vast array of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide variety of

Changes the adjective to "wide" and replaces "array" with "variety", offering a more common and general alternative.

a broad spectrum of

Substitutes "array" with "spectrum", implying a range of items arranged in a continuous series.

a diverse range of

Replaces "vast array" with "diverse range", emphasizing the variety and heterogeneity of the collection.

a multitude of

Uses "multitude" to convey a large quantity, shifting the focus from the arrangement to the sheer number of items.

an extensive collection of

Replaces "array" with "collection" and "vast" with "extensive", highlighting the comprehensiveness of the group.

a great number of

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the quantity, using "great number" instead of "vast array".

a considerable assortment of

Employs "assortment" to suggest a varied mix, while "considerable" indicates a substantial quantity.

a comprehensive selection of

Highlights the completeness of the chosen items by using "comprehensive selection".

a wide assortment of

Combination of "wide" and "assortment", emphasizing both variety and a considerable mix of elements.

a cornucopia of

Uses a more metaphorical term, "cornucopia", to suggest an overflowing abundance.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an vast array of"?

The correct way to phrase it is "a vast array of". The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, such as "vast".

What does "a vast array of" mean?

The phrase "a vast array of" means a large and diverse collection or selection of something. It emphasizes the wide variety and quantity of items or options available.

How can I use "a vast array of" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast array of" to describe a wide selection of options or items. For example: "The store offers a vast array of products" or "The project encompasses a vast array of skills".

What can I say instead of "a vast array of"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide variety of", "a broad spectrum of", or "a diverse range of" depending on the context.