smorgasbord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smorgasbord" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wide variety or assortment of options, often in the context of food or experiences. Example: "The festival offered a smorgasbord of activities, from live music to art exhibits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After battling through the smorgasbord of showings, landlords and contract negotiations, the property is, to all intents and purposes, yours.

The Guardian

For those few who were not affected in some way by this smorgasbord of fiscal tightening measures, there appears to have been a common feeling that one or other of these policy changes were simply unfair and unnecessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even with incredible access to music now, people still don't go for a complete smorgasbord of sounds.

The Guardian - Music

Toronto, a smorgasbord of races and religions, has a reputation for tolerance.

The Economist

He also used self-imposed hunger to bully his family, fasting "against" a married woman who had seduced his 20-year-old son, until the boy agreed not to marry for 15 years and the woman cut her hair in remorse.Among this smorgasbord of stories, one of the most endearing is a description of Ms Apt Russell's own experiment with self-starvation.

The Economist

This is an inelegant, prurient and often fascinating smorgasbord of insight and anecdotes from historians, friends and random talking heads.From the "Rashomon -like choRashomon -like readers learn that Salinger chorusbe seductively charming and ruthlessly petty.

The Economist

Assuming the project goes ahead, construction should begin in 2017, with the first trains running in 2026.A smorgasbord of benefits will reputedly follow.

The Economist

No rich country needs a smorgasbord of subsidies for manufacturing.

The Economist

As if to prove the smorgasbord theory, Yahoo! this week finalised a $1 billion deal with Alibaba.com, a Chinese firm, that will give Yahoo! greater exposure to the promising, fashionable Chinese market, but may make Yahoo!'s product portfolio even less coherent.

The Economist

The rest of them are scattered across a smorgasbord of other channels whose acronyms HBO, MTV, CNN, ESPN, USA, A&E have long become as familiar as the networks'.

The Economist

Too many web firms have a smorgasbord of privacy documents laden with legal jargon that appear deliberately designed to deter people from reading them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smorgasbord" to vividly describe a diverse collection of items, experiences, or ideas, especially when emphasizing variety and abundance.

Common error

While "smorgasbord" effectively conveys variety, its informal tone might not suit formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "wide range" or "diverse selection" in professional or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "smorgasbord" functions as a noun, typically referring to a buffet-style meal with a variety of dishes or, more broadly, a diverse collection of items or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, from describing fiscal policies to music genres.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

24%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smorgasbord" is a versatile noun that describes a diverse collection or assortment, originating from the buffet-style meal concept. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in English, although it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. It is frequently used in news media to depict a wide range of options, ideas or offerings. While alternatives like "wide array" or "diverse selection" may be more appropriate in formal contexts, "smorgasbord" effectively conveys the idea of abundance and variety in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse assortment

Directly conveys the mixed nature of the collection.

assortment of items

A general way to describe a varied collection of goods.

wide array

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the collection.

varied selection

Highlights the diversity and choice available.

range of choices

Highlights the spectrum of available options.

eclectic mix

Suggests a collection of items from various sources and styles.

collection of options

Focuses on the availability of different choices.

mixed bag

Informal way to describe a collection with both positive and negative aspects.

compendium of elements

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough collection.

potpourri

Implies a mixture of diverse elements, often with a sensory connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "smorgasbord" in a sentence?

"Smorgasbord" can describe a literal buffet or a diverse collection of things, as in, "The conference offered a "smorgasbord" of workshops and networking opportunities."

What can I say instead of "smorgasbord"?

You can use alternatives like "wide array", "varied selection", or "diverse assortment" depending on the context.

Is "smorgasbord" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "smorgasbord" leans towards the informal side. In highly formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "comprehensive range" or "diverse collection".

Can "smorgasbord" only refer to food?

No, while its origin is related to a buffet-style meal, "smorgasbord" is commonly used to describe a wide variety of anything, such as a ""smorgasbord" of investment options" or a ""smorgasbord" of opinions".