raft of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raft of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number or variety of items or issues, often in a somewhat informal context. Example: "The meeting covered a raft of things, including budget updates, project timelines, and team responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Users complained about a raft of things.

The New York Times

There is a whole raft of things that can be improved".

The Guardian

I think we're definitely heading in the right direction but there are a raft of things we could do better.

The Guardian - Sport

This government, which is supposed to be socialist, has come up with a raft of things I don't agree with, while failing to deal with the real problems like unemployment, climate change and a society heading for disaster".

The Guardian

They'll steal identities, they will steal cars, it's a whole raft of things.

BBC

"I am sure there are a whole raft of things that I could have done better and my colleagues could have done better," Regan told BBC Scotland.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"They got affirmation that the management would obey the new wage law and pay time and a half for overtime and Sunday work — and a whole raft of small things.

The New Yorker

I think it's even more bullshit for you to criticise groups such as Interns Aware that are pressuring the government to implement minimum-wage laws when unpaid internships aren't just occurring in areas such as journalism and media, but also marketing, accountancy, PR, shop floor positions and a raft of other things.

Vice

ROBERTA SMITH This season's bonanza of art books brings, among other things, a raft of major reference volumes of the kind that are bound to be library staples.

The New York Times - Books

That said, my board was as big as a raft and soon enough even I got the hang of things.

The Guardian - Travel

Ms. Kleinman has also gotten him to try all kinds of things he never imagined, like white-river rafting and shopping at Tiffany's.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raft of things", ensure the context makes it clear what kind of 'things' you are referring to. Adding a modifier can improve clarity (e.g., "a raft of financial things", "a raft of personal things")

Common error

While "raft of things" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts might reduce the impact of your writing. Consider using more specific and descriptive alternatives like "a multitude of issues" or "a range of factors" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raft of things" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies a collection or assortment of items or issues. Ludwig examples showcase usage in contexts like complaints, improvements, and disagreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raft of things" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a substantial quantity or variety of items or issues. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's more commonly found in neutral contexts like news and media. For more formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase effectively signals a collection of elements under consideration, but be mindful of context and audience when choosing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multitude of items

Replaces "raft" with "multitude", emphasizing a large number but maintaining a similar level of formality.

variety of issues

Substitutes "raft of things" with "variety of issues", focusing specifically on problems or concerns.

range of subjects

Replaces "raft of things" with "range of subjects", suggesting a broader scope of topics being discussed.

host of matters

Uses "host" instead of "raft", indicating a large quantity in a slightly more formal tone.

series of points

Focuses on a sequence of ideas or arguments, replacing the more general "things".

cluster of aspects

Implies a grouping of different facets or elements, adding a layer of complexity.

collection of elements

Emphasizes that "things" are components of a larger whole.

accumulation of items

Highlights a build-up or gathering of individual units.

number of concerns

Directly addresses specific worries or anxieties, narrowing the scope from general "things".

selection of topics

Implies a curated group of subjects, suggesting a level of choice or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "raft of things" in a sentence?

You can use "raft of things" to describe a large number or variety of items, issues, or aspects. For example, "The project involved a "raft of things", including market research, product development, and marketing strategies."

What can I say instead of "raft of things"?

Alternatives to "raft of things" include "multitude of items", "variety of issues", or "range of subjects", depending on the specific context.

Is "raft of things" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "raft of things" might be considered less formal. In professional or academic writing, more precise alternatives like "considerable number of" or "wide array of" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "raft of things" and "order of things"?

"Raft of things" refers to a large quantity or variety, while "order of things" refers to the sequence or arrangement of items or events. They have distinct meanings and usages.