eclectic lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eclectic lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diverse or varied group of people or things. Example: "The art exhibit featured an eclectic lot of artists, showcasing styles from traditional to contemporary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But they appear an eclectic lot.

The New York Times

It was a diverse and eclectic lot who applied.

The New York Times

Railroad fans are an eclectic lot, Mr. Schmidt said.

The New York Times

The stocks they selected are an eclectic lot.

The New York Times

It's possible that my regard for these movies -- an almost absurdly eclectic lot -- reflects a personal bias.

The New York Times

They are an eclectic lot: Mr. Rigby and Ms. Foss are British, Mr. O'Byrne is Irish, and Mr. Thomas and Ms. Williams are American.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

My taste is more eclectic, lots of things from the '70s and '80s; and I have to say, I wish there were more gay love stories on film.

The New York Times

"I get described as eclectic a lot, and that's definitely influenced by living in Peckham," she says.

Vice

An eclectic bunch.

Huffington Post

While TVOTR's music was far more eclectic than a lot of their revivalist peers, the band will always be linked with the indie rock scene that formed in Brooklyn in the wake of 9/11.

Vice

The Ditch Witch is a pretty great place, with an eclectic menu and lots of odds and ends — pretzel rods, cinnamon buns, Dove bars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eclectic lot" when you want to emphasize the diverse and often unusual nature of a group or collection. This phrase is particularly effective when the variety is unexpected or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "eclectic lot" when describing a carefully curated or deliberately homogenous collection. The phrase implies a somewhat random or unplanned assortment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eclectic lot" functions as a noun phrase where "eclectic" modifies "lot". It describes a group or collection characterized by variety and diversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eclectic lot" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes a diverse or varied group of people or things. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "eclectic lot", ensure that the group or collection you are describing is indeed diverse and that this diversity is a notable characteristic. Consider alternatives such as "diverse assortment" or "varied group" for slight nuances in meaning. Remember that "eclectic" suggests a mix drawn from a wide range of sources, so avoid using the phrase for deliberately homogenous collections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse assortment

Emphasizes variety and difference within the collection.

varied group

Highlights the heterogeneity of the individuals or items.

miscellaneous collection

Suggests a gathering of different and unrelated things.

assorted mix

Focuses on the combination of different elements.

motley crew

Implies a somewhat disorganized or unconventional group.

diverse selection

Focuses on the range of options available.

heterogeneous gathering

Highlights the lack of uniformity within the group.

mixed bag

Suggests a combination of good and bad or desirable and undesirable elements.

varied selection

Focuses on the range of options available.

unconventional mix

Highlights the irregular nature of combination of elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "eclectic lot" to describe a diverse group of people or things. For example: "The art exhibit featured an eclectic lot of artists, showcasing styles from traditional to contemporary."

What does "eclectic" mean?

Eclectic means deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

What can I say instead of "eclectic lot"?

You can use alternatives like "diverse assortment", "varied group", or "miscellaneous collection" depending on the context.

Is "eclectic bunch" similar to "eclectic lot"?

Yes, "eclectic bunch" is a similar phrase. Both refer to a diverse and varied group of people or things, although "lot" can sometimes imply a slightly larger quantity.