array of stones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "array of stones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection or grouping of stones, often implying a variety or assortment. Example: "The artist created a beautiful mosaic using an array of stones in different colors and sizes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A Thai woman working there was so incredibly helpful in explaining just what kind of luck could be had from the endless array of stones that I felt I had to buy something.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the Xihuatoxtla shelter, they discovered an array of stone milling tools with maize residue on them.

The New York Times - Science

WHAT: 4-bedroom house HOW MUCH: $169,500 An array of stone walls and gardens surround this circa 1850 post-and-beam farmhouse.

The New York Times - Travel

In addition to specimens like these, an assortment of local Indian artifacts will help illustrate the lives of the Lenape people, including an array of stone tools like projectile points (arrowheads), grooved axes, mortars, pestles, hammer stones and reconstructed clay pots.

The New York Times

The outer walls of all these temples contain an intricate array of stone sculptures and horizontal friezes (decorative mouldings) that depict the Hindu epics.

Wikipedia

We walked through the City Palace, now an opulent museum, and the world's largest outdoor astronomical observatory, a vast array of stone structures finished in 1734 to enable astrological calculations.

Huffington Post

Most of them, they say, had been dug up from the hill next door, which on close inspection has an unusual array of crumbling stone structures.

The New York Times

Once, I ordered a device that looked like a cement mixer and promised to turn a handful of pebbles into a glittering array of semi-precious stones.

Vice

If a sexy fit defined the 70s and early 80s, the next phase in denim culture was all about the finish, achieved with an array of tools like stones, bleach and acid washes, scissors, and safety pins.

Vice

In the interior, the Barbadian coral stone walls are hung with an eclectic array of art, including 19th-century stone cherubs from the façade of a building in Harlem, Balinese masks and paintings by Jamaican artists.

Forbes

Next I inquire about tourmaline and, swoosh, out spills an array of mossy glimmery rich green stones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or architecture, use "array of stones" to convey a sense of deliberate design and aesthetic consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "array of stones" when a simpler term like "pile of rocks" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Using a more sophisticated term when unnecessary can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "array of stones" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a collection or arrangement of stones, often implying a deliberate or curated selection. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "array of stones" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a collection or arrangement of stones. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in news, scientific, and descriptive contexts. Alternatives like "collection of stones" or "assortment of stones" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. The best practice is to use it in situations where you want to convey a sense of deliberate arrangement or aesthetic consideration, while avoiding it in overly informal situations where simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrangement of stones

Specifically denotes a deliberate ordering of stones.

collection of stones

Emphasizes the act of gathering stones together, rather than their arrangement.

assortment of stones

Highlights the variety of stones present.

range of stones

Suggests a spectrum or variety of stones available.

selection of stones

Implies a deliberate choice or curation of stones.

diversity of stones

Focuses on the different types and characteristics of the stones.

accumulation of stones

Suggests a gradual gathering of stones over time.

cluster of stones

Describes a group of stones located close together.

grouping of stones

A general term for stones arranged together.

pile of stones

Indicates stones stacked or thrown together haphazardly.

FAQs

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

You can use "array of stones" to describe a collection or arrangement of stones, for example: "The garden featured an impressive "array of stones"."

What's the difference between "array of stones" and "pile of stones"?

"Array of stones" suggests a more deliberate or organized arrangement, while "pile of stones" implies a haphazard or unstructured heap.

What can I say instead of "array of stones"?

Alternatives include "collection of stones", "assortment of stones", or "selection of stones", depending on the specific context.

Is "array of stones" formal or informal?

"Array of stones" leans toward a more formal register, suitable for descriptive writing or technical contexts. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for casual conversation.