archipelago

USAGE SUMMARY

'archipelago' is both a correct and usable English word.
It is a noun that means a group of many small islands that are close together, and it is sometimes used figuratively to describe any group of interconnected things. Example sentence: The archipelago of islands provided the perfect backdrop for our beach vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He found an island, 160 metres long, in a remote part of the Svalbard archipelago that had never been mapped – indeed, it had been revealed only through the retreat of a glacier.

The Guardian - Arts

There is an element of farce about the latest submarine hunt in the Stockholm archipelago.

The Guardian - Opinion

The BVIs form part of an archipelago rubbing up against the US Virgin Islands some 80 miles east of Puerto Rico.

The Guardian - Travel

The 47km causeway across the 10-island archipelago west of Jaffna is still partly ruined, so catching an early ferry to the remotest of these sunny islands means an early start.

The Guardian - Travel

The Swedish navy engaged in a massive hunt for a Russian submarine reported in the Stockholm in archipelago in October, and a SAS plane with 132 passengers taking off from Copenhagen in March nearly collided with a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that hadn't transmitted its position.

The Guardian

Well, of course it's an Irish problem: the Irish inherited from the tangled history of our archipelago a deep identification of Irishness with Catholicism, and of Britishness with Protestantism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sitting at the edge of the Scillies archipelago and less-visited than the island of Tresco, it is suitably far-flung.

The Guardian - Travel

A tiny 18-island archipelago roughly halfway between Iceland and Scotland, with nearly twice as many sheep as people, the Faroe Islands have a romantic appeal for travellers looking for a remote, back-to-nature experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Though remote, Shetland, a low-lying, wind-seared archipelago, perhaps best known for small horses and thick jerseys, is integral to his design for an independent Scotland, which Scottish residents will vote on at a referendum in September.

The Economist

On the other side of the globe, the Japanese have luxuriated since the Heian era in hot-spring onsen that dot their volcanic and quake-strewn archipelago.

The Economist

Shards of 4,500-year-old 4,500-year-old 4,500-year-olde follow a pottery originating in Orknexcavatedttinh archipelago; the bones of animals slaughtered at Stonehenge carry traces of Scottish Wiltshirettish nationalists should mull that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of islands, use "archipelago" to convey a sense of geographical scale and complexity. It's more evocative than simply saying "group of islands".

Common error

Avoid using "archipelago" loosely to describe any scattered collection of things. While it can be used figuratively, ensure there's a clear connection to the concept of geographically separated but related entities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "archipelago" is that of a noun, typically used to denote a cluster or group of islands. Ludwig examples show it referring to specific geographic regions like the Svalbard archipelago or the Stockholm archipelago, aligning with its dictionary definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "archipelago" is a noun that refers to a group of islands. Ludwig AI confirms that this term is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in News & Media and Travel contexts, denoting geographical locations. While the term primarily functions as a descriptive geographical term, it can also be used in a figurative sense. When using "archipelago", ensure you are either describing a genuine island group or a collection with clear parallels to the geographical concept. Ludwig's examples showcase its applicability across various registers, though it maintains a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

island group

Replaces "archipelago" with a simpler, more common term.

chain of islands

Emphasizes the linear arrangement of islands.

cluster of islands

Highlights the density and proximity of islands.

island complex

Focuses on the interconnected nature and complexity of the island system.

collection of islands

A general term for multiple islands in one place.

scattered islands

Highlights the dispersed nature of islands across a sea area.

insular region

A more formal and geographical term for an area composed of islands.

group of isles

Uses "isles" as a synonym for islands, sounding slightly more poetic.

string of islands

Similar to "chain of islands", emphasizing a linear arrangement.

island network

Emphasizes interconnectedness and relationships between the islands.

FAQs

How can I use "archipelago" in a sentence?

Use "archipelago" to describe a group of islands, such as, "The Greek "archipelago" is famous for its stunning beauty".

What words are similar to "archipelago"?

Similar terms include "island group", "chain of islands", or "cluster of islands".

Is it correct to use "archipelago" to describe a collection of non-geographical items?

While primarily used for groups of islands, "archipelago" can be used figuratively to describe a collection of related items, as in "an archipelago of ideas".

What's the difference between "archipelago" and "peninsula"?

"Archipelago" refers to a group of islands, while "peninsula" describes a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides.