row of shelves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "row of shelves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a linear arrangement of shelves, typically found in places like libraries, stores, or warehouses. Example: "The library had a long row of shelves filled with books on various subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Storage

Retail

Libraries

Warehouses

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Right now, in my apartment, there are just over 900 DVDs, arranged alphabetically by title on a tall row of shelves in my living room.

The Guardian - Film

"We don't want this material to be secret," said the archivist, waving at an endless row of shelves packed with fading documents that disappeared off into the darkness.

The Guardian

Mora has won seven Telegatto awards — the Italian Emmy — and his golden cat statuettes are arranged on a row of shelves next to a wall of television monitors, interspersed with a collection of Mussolini memorabilia.

The New Yorker

His photographs include a picture of a rather prim Nicaraguan woman seen piecemeal through a row of shelves upon which sit two globular pieces of fruit about where her breasts must be.

The New York Times - Arts

Afterward, as I turn my head in the hope of resting against her shoulder, I see her, through eyes heavy with sleep, striding about the room, measuring heights with a metal tape, screwing brackets into the wall, swinging up two-by-fours that rise into a row of shelves.

The New Yorker

As Melonee Wise walks toward a row of shelves packed with crackers, bars of soap, and other packaged goods in one corner of her workshop, a squat, wheeled robot carrying a plastic crate glides along behind, like a dog following its owner.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You will end up with two strips against the wall with a row of shelf brackets attached to them.

WikiHow

Cans of paint and rows of shelves need to arrive back at the Yoder home somehow.

The New York Times

Like a shot, the librarian led me past rows and rows of shelves and selected an antique book.

The New York Times

He led the way down a flight of stairs, past rows of shelves stacked to the ceiling with books and back issues of every conceivable publication.

The New Yorker

In the meantime, they sit in containers, on long, forty-foot-high rows of shelves; at four hundred thousand square feet, the warehouse may be the world's biggest closet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection, use "row of shelves" to clearly indicate a linear organization, such as in a library or store.

Common error

While "line of shelves" is similar, "row of shelves" specifically emphasizes a structured, linear arrangement. Use "row" when the alignment is a key aspect of the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "row of shelves" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific arrangement of shelving units. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "row of shelves" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a linear arrangement of shelves. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It serves a descriptive purpose, often used in neutral contexts to convey the layout of spaces in environments like libraries, stores, and warehouses. While alternatives like "line of shelves" exist, "row of shelves" specifically emphasizes a structured, linear arrangement. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. Though not as common as other descriptive phrases, it's a valuable part of English vocabulary for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line of shelves

Focuses on the linear arrangement, similar to "row of shelves".

series of shelves

Stresses the sequential arrangement of multiple shelves.

bank of shelves

Emphasizes a large, collective grouping of shelves.

wall of shelves

Indicates shelves covering an entire wall surface.

array of shelves

Implies a visually organized and displayed set of shelves.

tier of shelves

Highlights the vertical stacking arrangement.

stack of shelves

Highlights vertical arrangement and accumulation.

display of shelves

Highlights visual aspect and presentation using the shelves.

unit of shelves

Refers to shelves as a single piece or component.

system of shelves

Presents shelves as part of a larger organizational framework.

FAQs

What does "row of shelves" mean?

The phrase "row of shelves" refers to a linear arrangement of multiple shelves, typically used for storage or display.

What can I say instead of "row of shelves"?

You can use alternatives like "line of shelves", "series of shelves", or "bank of shelves" depending on the context.

How do I describe a collection of shelves covering a wall?

To describe shelves covering an entire wall, use the phrase "wall of shelves". This indicates that the shelves span the entire vertical surface.

Is "row of shelf" grammatically correct?

No, it is incorrect. The proper phrasing is "row of shelves", using the plural form of "shelf" to indicate multiple shelves in a linear arrangement.