sheer variety

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer variety' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a large or seemingly endless range of options, items, or ideas. For example: The sheer variety of desserts at the restaurant was overwhelming!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the sheer variety can be overwhelming.

Harvard Business Review

I found the sheer variety fascinating.

The Guardian - Arts

The sheer variety of requests is down to the sheer variety of people we interact with.

Independent

Yet, the sheer variety of existing arrangements suggests that they are in fact subject to choice.

Journal of Financial Markets

He hoped the culture would survive for sheer variety, and not much else.

The Economist

What was most impressive about Williams was the sheer variety of shots in her arsenal.

The New York Times

The sheer variety of makeup brushes is mind-boggling, not to mention the inventive gadgets.

The New York Times

Any walk reveals terrain rich in nature, heritage and sheer variety.

Independent

We need to loudly and publicly extol the sheer variety and quality of education options.

The Guardian

Perhaps the most striking aspect of these interviews is the sheer variety of testimonies we encountered.

The Guardian

In its sheer variety of activities, you can always find something to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer variety" to effectively convey a sense of overwhelming abundance or diversity, especially when emphasizing the unexpected or surprisingly large number of options or types available.

Common error

While "sheer variety" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language that quantifies or categorizes the variety being described, instead of relying solely on the adjective "sheer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer variety" functions as a noun phrase where "sheer" modifies and emphasizes the extent of the "variety". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer variety" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to emphasize a remarkably large range or diversity of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and accepted in English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, with news media being the most frequent. When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like "great diversity" or "extensive range" as appropriate. While generally suitable for diverse writing styles, avoid overusing "sheer variety" in highly formal or scientific writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively use "sheer variety" to enrich your writing and convey a sense of overwhelming abundance or diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable variety

Replaces "sheer" with "considerable", indicating a significant but potentially measurable amount of variety.

great diversity

Substitutes "variety" with "diversity", focusing on the range of different elements within a set.

extensive range

Shifts the focus from variety to the breadth of options available.

broad assortment

Emphasizes a collection of different items or types.

vast array

Highlights the large quantity and arrangement of diverse elements.

wide spectrum

Implies a continuous range of possibilities or characteristics.

immense assortment

Uses "immense" to emphasize the large size of the assortment.

huge selection

Focuses on the number of choices available, implying abundance.

copious amount of variation

Breaks down the phrase to highlight the plentiful amount of differences.

unlimited multiplicity

Suggests endless possibilities and a vast number of distinct elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer variety" to describe a large assortment of items, options, or qualities. For example, "The "sheer variety" of restaurants in the city is impressive".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sheer variety"?

Alternatives include "considerable variety", "great diversity", or "extensive range" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer variety" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "sheer variety" is generally appropriate. However, for highly formal or scientific contexts, consider using more precise alternatives to quantify or categorize the diversity more specifically.

What does "sheer" mean in the context of "sheer variety"?

In this context, "sheer" intensifies the noun "variety", emphasizing that the range or diversity is remarkably large or overwhelming.