array of stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "array of stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection or variety of items, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The store had an impressive array of stuff, from clothing to electronics, catering to all kinds of shoppers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He left the house's exterior rotting and peeling away, and left the grounds piled with an eclectic array of stuff.

The New York Times

It's an outdoor shopping mall, with tiny storefronts and ramshackle stalls selling an unimaginable array of stuff, from knock-off DVDs to vegetables and vitamins.

The Guardian - Arts

"...The man has an incredible imagination, he has made up an amazing array of stuff over the course of his public career.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At the base of the tree, white rocks were arranged in an oval; inside this were more flowers, along with the remnants of seven-day candles and an array of stuffed toys.

The New Yorker

Off the bench, Rymer was known for her playful sense of humor and the array of stuffed, ceramic and glass frogs — and other frog-related items, most of them gifts to her — that she kept in her office and home.

Los Angeles Times

This place specialises in diversity and houses such an array of cool stuff that you're bound to find something to satisfy your "mood".

The Guardian - Travel

It offers film screenings, digital games, author events and a huge array of interactive stuff for toddlers, kids and younger teenagers to get involved with.

The Guardian - Travel

But there is something sociopathic and obsessive-compulsive in the vast array of meaningless stuff, including empty boxes and dirty old rags that the mother cuts and works into strips.

The Guardian - Film

Behind the revival is an array of cheap stuff, such as wireless broadband, 120-gigabyte disk drives for $99 and mail-order "blade" servers that are as powerful as $250,000 Unix boxes.

Forbes

Of course each year the dinner includes a wide array of "good stuff" to add to a burger, as well as sides to accompany it on the plate.

Los Angeles Times

We already knew what he was weak on: Trident, Brexit, coming up with £200 billion to pay for an array of imaginary stuff.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "array of stuff" when you want to convey a sense of variety in a casual and informal way. It's suitable for descriptions where precision is not critical.

Common error

Avoid using "array of stuff" in formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "range of items" or "variety of products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "array of stuff" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a collection or assortment of items, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, referring to various collections of things.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "array of stuff" is an informal noun phrase used to describe a diverse collection of items. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is more suitable for casual contexts and should be avoided in formal writing, where more precise alternatives like "range of items" or "assortment of products" are preferable. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in news and media, underscoring its informal register. The phrase is relatively rare but serves a useful purpose in everyday language for generally describing groups of items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collection of things

Replaces "array" with "collection" and "stuff" with "things", making it slightly more formal.

assortment of items

Substitutes "array" with "assortment" and "stuff" with "items", suggesting a carefully selected variety.

range of goods

Replaces "array" with "range" and "stuff" with "goods", often used in a commercial context.

selection of products

Substitutes "array" with "selection" and "stuff" with "products", common in marketing or retail environments.

variety of materials

Replaces "array" with "variety" and "stuff" with "materials", highlighting different types of physical substances.

accumulation of possessions

Substitutes "array" with "accumulation" and "stuff" with "possessions", suggesting a large quantity gathered over time.

hodgepodge of belongings

Replaces "array" with "hodgepodge" and "stuff" with "belongings", indicating a disorganized mix.

inventory of commodities

Replaces "array" with "inventory" and "stuff" with "commodities", used in business or trade settings.

miscellany of objects

Substitutes "array" with "miscellany" and "stuff" with "objects", emphasizing the diverse nature of the collection.

compilation of effects

Replaces "array" with "compilation" and "stuff" with "effects", which suggests personal belongings after someone's passing.

FAQs

What does "array of stuff" mean?

The phrase "array of stuff" refers to a collection or variety of items, typically used in a casual or informal context. It suggests a diverse assortment of things.

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

You can use "array of stuff" to describe a collection of items. For example: "The garage was filled with an array of stuff from old furniture to sporting equipment."

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

You can use alternatives like "collection of things", "assortment of items", or "variety of materials", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "array of stuff" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "array of stuff" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives such as "range of items" or "selection of products".