array of sweets

USAGE SUMMARY

'array of sweets' is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a selection or variety of different types of confectionary or sweets. For example: "The shop had an amazing array of sweets, I just couldn't decide which one to get!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She also sells an array of sweets, including cakes, scones and tartlets, to accompany tea.

The New York Times - Food

CRAFTSTEAK STAND An array of sweets is being sold through Nov. 12 from this concession on the High Line.

The New York Times - Food

He encouraged me to go behind the counter to choose from a tempting array of sweets displayed in metal trays.

The New York Times - Travel

If you find yourself unable to resist its charms and wander in, you will be confronted by a bewildering array of sweets.

The Guardian

Several hundred homeless people were among those invited to the reception, and the menu included an array of sweets -- sweet potato tarts, nutmeg poundcakes, mini napoleons -- prepared by three caterers, one of them glatt kosher.

The New York Times

If you've made it to the checkout in one piece it can be really frustrating to then be faced with an unhealthy array of sweets designed to tempt your child.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Simple tweets like that have helped Mission Pie, a small shop in San Francisco, drum up interest in its mouth-watering array of sweet and savoury pies.

The Economist

There is the usual array of sweet, sweet desserts flan, rice pudding but, if you're lucky, as you're soaking up a mole with the last of your tortillas, the neighborhood ice-cream truck will pull up at the hydrant just outside.

The New Yorker

You'll find a dizzying array of sweet breakfast treats, such as a gorgeous custard-like akok (eggs, palm sugar, and coconut), delicious tarts pimped with pandam leaf, a speciality of the east coast, that tastes a lot nicer than the lurid green appearance suggests.

The Guardian - Travel

There is the usual array of sweet, sweet desserts — flan, rice pudding — but, if you're lucky, as you're soaking up a mole with the last of your tortillas, the neighborhood ice-cream truck will pull up at the hydrant just outside.

The New Yorker

Located in Bayeux just north of the cathedral (and named after William the Conqueror's queen), a La Reine Mathilde is a patisserie and tea salon designed in the sumptuous style of the 1900s, with a wide array of sweet confections on offer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual presentation, consider using "array" to convey the organized and appealing arrangement of the sweets.

Common error

While "array" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Consider using simpler words like "variety" or "selection" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "array of sweets" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI points out, it denotes a collection or variety of different types of confectionery.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "array of sweets" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a collection of different sweet treats. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in news articles and other general writing, giving it a neutral register. Consider using simpler alternatives like "variety of sweets" in more informal conversations. "Array of sweets" is suitable for describing menus, displays, or any situation where a diverse selection of confectionery is present. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variety of sweets

Replaces "array" with "variety", emphasizing diversity.

selection of sweets

Uses "selection" instead of "array", highlighting the act of choosing.

assortment of sweets

Employs "assortment" to indicate a diverse mix of sweets.

collection of sweets

Substitutes "array" with "collection", focusing on the gathering of sweets.

range of sweets

Replaces "array" with "range", suggesting a spectrum of sweets.

display of sweets

Uses "display" to highlight the visual presentation of sweets.

mix of sweets

Replaces "array" with "mix", emphasizing the combination of different sweets.

selection of confectionery

Replaces "sweets" with "confectionery", using a more formal term.

sweet treats galore

Uses a more informal and enthusiastic expression to describe an abundance of sweets.

an abundance of sweets

Replaces "array" with "abundance", focusing on the large quantity of sweets.

FAQs

What does "array of sweets" mean?

An "array of sweets" refers to a collection or variety of different types of candies, chocolates, and other sweet treats.

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

You can use alternatives like "variety of sweets", "selection of sweets", or "assortment of sweets" depending on the context.

Is "array of sweets" formal or informal?

"Array of sweets" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but more informal alternatives like "lots of sweets" or "a bunch of sweets" may be more appropriate in casual settings.

How do you use "array of sweets" in a sentence?

You can use "array of sweets" in a sentence like: "The bakery offered an impressive array of sweets, making it difficult to choose just one".