in a variety of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a variety of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe multiple options that are available on something, or how something can come in many forms. For example, "This store offers great gifts in a variety of prices and styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Advertising developed in a variety of media.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Larvae appear in a variety of forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Available in a variety of colours.

Independent

He worked in a variety of genres.

The New York Times - Books

Congregations meet in a variety of locations.

The Guardian - Opinion

This happens in a variety of ways.

Harvard Business Review

CHAMPIONS come in a variety of forms.

The New York Times

Groundings come in a variety of forms.

The New York Times

Kotos exist in a variety of sizes.

The New York Times - Arts

Midwives practice in a variety of settings.

The Washington Post

Communication happens in a variety of contexts.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a variety of", ensure that the items you are referring to are genuinely diverse and not just minor variations of the same thing. This adds more weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "In a variety of." Vary your sentence structure to prevent the writing from sounding repetitive and monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a variety of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb. It indicates that something exists or occurs in multiple forms or types. Ludwig highlights its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “in a variety of” is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate diversity and multiplicity. Ludwig highlights its frequent use across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. The phrase is grammatically correct and serves to enrich descriptions by emphasizing the presence of multiple forms or types. To ensure effective communication, consider varying sentence structures and ensure the diversity you're describing is substantial. Based on the high frequency and correctness, it is a very useful expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in various ways

Highlights the multiple methods or manners in which something can occur or be done.

in a range of

Indicates a spectrum or scale of possibilities.

in diverse forms

Emphasizes the different shapes or appearances something can take.

in multiple forms

Focuses on the numerous different shapes or states of something.

across a spectrum of

Highlights a continuous range of possibilities or characteristics.

in different types

Highlights the different categories or kinds that exist.

encompassing a variety of

Implies a broader scope, including many different things.

exhibiting a diversity of

Focuses on showing a wide range of differences.

in assorted styles

Emphasizes the different aesthetic designs or manners.

displaying a multitude of

Emphasizes a very large number of different items or aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "in a variety of" in a sentence?

Use "in a variety of" to indicate that something exists or occurs in many different forms or types. For example, "The museum offers programs "in a variety of" formats to engage different audiences."

What are some alternatives to "in a variety of"?

You can use alternatives such as "in various ways", "in diverse forms", or "in multiple forms" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in varieties of" instead of "in a variety of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in a variety of". The phrase "in varieties of" is not standard English and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "in a variety of" and "in terms of"?

"In a variety of" refers to different types or forms, while "in terms of" introduces a specific aspect or viewpoint. For example, "The project was successful "in a variety of" ways" (different forms of success) versus "The project was successful "in terms of" budget" (success related to budget).