eclectic assortment

USAGE SUMMARY

"eclectic assortment" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a variety of different things that you have put together. For example: "My store offers customers an eclectic assortment of fashion and jewelry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Food

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What you'll need a bizarre and eclectic assortment of stuff from around the house.

Independent

The furniture comes with the property, and the eclectic assortment includes pieces dating to 1850.

The New York Times

Beyond that is another Imambara, the Husainabad, an eclectic assortment of buildings.

The New York Times - Travel

The eclectic assortment of dishes has influences from China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The New Yorker

As in "The Monkees," there is a fair amount of music in this show, and it's an eclectic assortment.

The New York Times - Arts

Religion isn't much my thing but I have amassed an eclectic assortment of material to ensure the Jewish theme.

The Guardian

On February 10th, an eclectic assortment of conservatives streamed into a ballroom in Washington to hear Rick Santorum speak.

The New Yorker

Inside, the aisles overflow with an eclectic assortment of dry goods: bolts of fabric, gardening tools, skeins of yarn.

The New York Times

The fifth annual BAMcinemaFest, Brooklyn's celebration of independent cinema, kicks off Wednesday, offering its customary eclectic assortment of documentaries and narrative features.

The New York Times

Mr. Leedy pointed out the car's various controls, an eclectic assortment of knobs, switches, buttons and levers mounted to metal bases on the wood dashboard.

The New York Times

On the mantel sits an eclectic assortment of oversized toys: a Bambi; a retro red clown, mouth agape; and a giant Kewpie doll.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eclectic assortment" to describe a collection that is not only diverse but also intentionally curated, showcasing a unique blend of styles or items.

Common error

Avoid using "eclectic assortment" to describe a random or haphazard collection. The term implies a deliberate and thoughtful selection process, not just a gathering of unrelated items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eclectic assortment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. It denotes a collection of diverse items, styles, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

10%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Food

6%

Books

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eclectic assortment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a collection that is diverse and intentionally curated. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, travel, arts, and academia, confirming its widespread applicability. While the phrase has a neutral to slightly formal tone, it is versatile enough for many writing styles. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's important to remember that "eclectic assortment" implies more than just randomness; it suggests a deliberate and thoughtful combination of different elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse collection

Focuses on the variety of items gathered, omitting the 'unconventional' aspect of "eclectic".

varied mix

Highlights the combination of different elements, downplaying the organization or arrangement.

varied selection

Focuses on the active choice of different items, without necessarily emphasizing their harmony.

assorted variety

Emphasizes the range of options available, lacking the curated feel of "eclectic".

diverse range

Highlights the span of different elements, less focused on the selection process.

mixed bag

Implies a less organized, more random selection than "eclectic assortment".

motley collection

Highlights the diverse and often mismatched nature of the collection.

assortment of styles

Highlights the varied stylistic approaches within a collection, rather than the items themselves.

hodgepodge

Suggests a jumbled, disorganized collection, in contrast to a potentially curated "eclectic assortment".

miscellaneous array

Focuses on the varied and often unrelated items in the group, lacking a specific theme.

FAQs

How can I use "eclectic assortment" in a sentence?

You can use "eclectic assortment" to describe a collection of items that are diverse and varied, such as "The museum featured an "eclectic assortment" of artifacts from different cultures".

What can I say instead of "eclectic assortment"?

You can use alternatives like "diverse collection", "varied mix", or "assorted variety" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "eclectic assortment" or "diverse assortment"?

"Eclectic assortment" and "diverse assortment" are both correct, but "eclectic" implies a more intentional and perhaps unconventional selection than "diverse".

What's the difference between "eclectic assortment" and "mixed bag"?

"Eclectic assortment" suggests a curated and interesting mix, while "mixed bag" often implies a more random and potentially uneven collection.