cross section of books

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross section of books" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a representative sample or variety of books from a larger collection or category. Example: "The library offers a cross section of books that cover various genres, from fiction to non-fiction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least that's what you conclude on the evidence of this wildly diverse cross-section of books for tweens.

The Guardian - Books

I check through a cross-section of books – five or six – to assess how students across a range of abilities performed in the previous lesson.

The Guardian

It's going to be numbering in the hundreds of books, rather than the thousands, but it will be a really good cross-section of books for children," Huggins says.

TechCrunch

The scholar and F. Scott Fitzgerald biographer Matthew J. Bruccoli spent his adult life stockpiling those efforts ­— pulpy paperbacks, fancy slip-covers, French-flapped foreign editions — and today his trove is not only one of the world's most complete collections but also an illuminating cross section of 83 years of book design.

The New York Times

Squeezing the essential heroines and hellions from a cross section of cultures and eras into one book -- and not a doorstop, mind you -- requires a controlled economy that would challenge Alan Greenspan.

The New York Times - Books

The book's characters are a cross section of Hispanics.

The New York Times - Books

And in a city cleaved by race and class, Duneier says, the sidewalk book table draws a wide cross section of browsers and readers, fostering interaction between people who might never otherwise mix.

The New York Times - Books

Mostly a selection of mostly rare books with some curious objects also, "Voyages" offers a miniature cross section of the vast holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the book they ended up with is a weirdly intimate cross section of America, saturated with photos, journal entries, and interviews with the (almost) unfailingly kind and optimistic heroes and zeros they ran into on the road.

Vice

"I wanted a real cross section of men who dance.

The New York Times - Arts

But it was not a cross section of Israeli society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross section of books", ensure the selection genuinely represents the broader category you're describing. It should include a diverse range of perspectives or genres relevant to your topic.

Common error

Avoid using "cross section of books" if the selection is heavily biased or lacks diversity. Always consider whether the books truly offer a balanced representation of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross section of books" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition, depending on the sentence structure. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross section of books" is a noun phrase used to describe a representative selection from a larger category of books. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the selected books genuinely reflect the intended diversity or scope. Consider alternatives like "selection of books" or "range of books" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selection of books

Focuses on the act of choosing specific books from a larger group.

assortment of books

Highlights the diversity and variety within the book collection.

range of books

Emphasizes the extent and scope of different types of books available.

sample of books

Implies a smaller, representative collection taken from a larger set.

collection of books

A general term for a group of books gathered together.

variety of books

Similar to "assortment", stressing the differences among the books.

representation of books

Highlights how well the books reflect a particular theme or category.

spectrum of books

Suggests a complete or wide-ranging display of different types of books.

sampling of books

Refers to a small, carefully chosen selection meant to represent the whole.

overview of books

Provides a summary or general look at different books.

FAQs

How can I use "cross section of books" in a sentence?

You can use "cross section of books" to describe a collection that represents a variety of genres or viewpoints on a specific topic. For example: "The library offers a "cross section of books" on climate change, from scientific reports to personal narratives."

What's the difference between "selection of books" and "cross section of books"?

"Selection of books" simply refers to a choice of books, while "cross section of books" implies a representative sample intended to reflect the diversity of a larger category. The "cross section of books" is carefully chosen to be representative; the selection may just be arbitrary.

What can I say instead of "cross section of books"?

Alternatives include "selection of books", "range of books", or "variety of books", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cross section of books" formal or informal language?

"Cross section of books" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts, but may sound overly precise in casual conversation. A simpler term like "selection of books" might be more appropriate for informal settings.