cover a wide array

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover a wide array" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you need to express that a collection of items is large and diverse. For example, "This list of products covers a wide array of different models and features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And they want discussions to cover a wide array of topics: abstinence, avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, even sexual orientation.

The New York Times

There's the broader-focus approach, practiced by South Korea-based Oh My News and WikiNews, which cover a wide array of topics, issues, and locales.

MIT Technology Review

But use of the term expanded to cover a wide array of racially discriminatory practices, such as not offering home loans to African-Americans, even those who were wealthy or middle class.

The New York Times

Lectures and readings will cover a wide array of subjects and take an interdisciplinary approach to issues affecting water supply, water quality, and ecosystems with an emphasis on applications to policy and practice.

Stanford University

As always, the finalists cover a wide array of topics.

TechCrunch

The taxes are varied and cover a wide array of products.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

For this reason a 15 items check-list, oriented to cover a wider array of symptoms, has been designed for the Italian population in the '90 (called SVEBA abbreviated from its Italian name).

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

In order to cover a wider array of New York news and events, we're putting out the call for local writers, bloggers, and even readers to help us report on what's going on around town.

Huffington Post

Also adding to the price tag are new federal rules that require policies to cover a wider array of healthcare services and pay a bigger portion of patients' medical bills than currently required.

Los Angeles Times

However, despite being rife with flaws, Obamacare was very successful in expanding health care to those who were unable to obtain it, and in creating a regulatory framework that prohibited health insurers from discriminating against their clients based on race, sex, age or health status, while mandating that they cover a wider array of services.

Huffington Post

The agency's work covers a wide array of disciplines covering health, life, and physical sciences, as well as engineering.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. In formal writing, "encompass a diverse range" might be more suitable than "cover a wide array".

Common error

Avoid using "cover a wide array" when a more specific description is possible. Instead of saying "The course covers a wide array of topics", specify the key topics covered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover a wide array" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the scope or extent of something. It indicates that a subject includes or deals with a large and diverse collection of items, topics, or aspects. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cover a wide array" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something includes or deals with a large and diverse collection of items or topics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in contexts like news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "encompass a diverse range" exist, "cover a wide array" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various audiences. When using this phrase, ensure the items being described are genuinely diverse and consider whether a more specific description might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover a broad spectrum

Replaces 'array' with 'spectrum', emphasizing the range covered.

encompass a diverse range

Uses 'encompass' instead of 'cover' and 'diverse range' instead of 'wide array', highlighting inclusion and variety.

include a multitude of

Substitutes 'cover' with 'include' and 'wide array' with 'multitude of', focusing on inclusion and quantity.

span a variety of

Employs 'span' in place of 'cover' and 'variety of' instead of 'wide array', stressing the scope and diversity.

address a spectrum of

Replaces 'cover' with 'address' and 'wide array' with 'spectrum of', shifting the focus to addressing a range.

deal with numerous

Uses 'deal with' instead of 'cover' and 'numerous' instead of 'wide array', focusing on handling many items.

involve a diverse set of

Substitutes 'cover' with 'involve' and 'wide array' with 'diverse set of', highlighting involvement and variety.

extend to countless

Employs 'extend to' in place of 'cover' and 'countless' instead of 'wide array', stressing the extent and quantity.

range across multiple

Replaces 'cover' with 'range across' and 'wide array' with 'multiple', shifting the focus to the range and multiplicity.

touch on an assortment of

Uses 'touch on' instead of 'cover' and 'assortment of' instead of 'wide array', focusing on briefly addressing a variety.

FAQs

How can I use "cover a wide array" in a sentence?

You can use "cover a wide array" to indicate that something includes or deals with a large and diverse collection of items. For example, "The museum's collection "covers a wide array" of historical artifacts".

What are some alternatives to "cover a wide array"?

Some alternatives include "encompass a diverse range", "include a multitude of", or "span a variety of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cover a wide range" or "cover a wide array"?

Both "range" and "array" are suitable, but "array" suggests a more structured and diverse collection. "Range" can imply a more continuous spectrum. So while both are correct you can use "cover a broad range" to highlight a spectrum.

Can "cover a wide array" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "cover a wide array" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though in very formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "encompass a diverse range" or "comprises a wide assortment".