to be miscellaneous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be miscellaneous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a collection or group of items that do not fit into a specific category or are varied in nature. Example: "The box contained various items, ranging from old toys to kitchen utensils, all of which seemed to be miscellaneous."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

25% of benefit recipients have no other source of income at all, but some consider Social Security to be miscellaneous income.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Chen et al. [9] in their related work on FPGA based cloud computing, go further to recognize that there may be miscellaneous peripherals such as Ethernet controllers and various memory controllers required by specific accelerators.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Also to be evaluated are miscellaneous efficacy endpoints such as "cardiovascular events or renal composite endpoints".

BMC Nephrology

Her film career has continued to be brilliantly miscellaneous: Angela's Ashes; Gosford Park; Synecdoche, New York.

The Guardian - Film

The final articles, 184 219, seem to be a miscellaneous collection.

SEP

The remaining few model parameters (see Table S1) are miscellaneous parameters unrelated to the tumor's dynamics.

Plosone

For tax purposes, these are "miscellaneous expenses," which are deductible to the extent that they exceed 2percentt of adjusted gross income.

The New York Times

And then there are miscellaneous new words such as "globesity" (referring to a worldwide epidemic of weight gain) and "locavore" (someone who only eats local produce).

Huffington Post

Ultimately, the molecular variability of the genes within these pathways tended to be discordant, that is, the genes with the strongest correlation with risk were miscellaneous.

BMC Cancer

Men are holding on to the same types of jobs they had back in 1970: the leading occupations then were miscellaneous managers, truck drivers, and production supervisors.

Huffington Post

It's miscellaneous and trivial, but somehow riveting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be miscellaneous", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a collection of items that do not easily fit into specific categories. This phrase works best when emphasizing the variety and lack of uniformity within the group.

Common error

Avoid using "miscellaneous" as a lazy way to categorize items you haven't properly analyzed. Instead, strive to find more descriptive and specific labels whenever possible to provide greater clarity and information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be miscellaneous" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a descriptor for a subject, indicating that it comprises a variety of items or elements that do not belong to a single, easily defined category. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be miscellaneous" serves to describe something that is composed of diverse, varied, and often unrelated items or elements. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and functions best in contexts where emphasizing variety and a lack of clear categorization is desired. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound. When writing, consider whether more specific or descriptive language might be more appropriate to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig can help you check this type of phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be a miscellany

Replaces the adjective "miscellaneous" with the noun "miscellany", emphasizing the collection itself rather than the state of being varied.

to be an assortment

Similar to "to be a miscellany" but emphasizes the act of selecting and organizing the varied items.

to be varied

Implies a range of different types or qualities, focusing on the diversity within a set.

to be diverse

Similar to "to be varied" but emphasizes the inclusion of different elements, especially in terms of culture or background.

to be assorted

Suggests a collection of different items, often implying a deliberate selection of various types.

to be sundry

Indicates a collection of various and often unrelated items or details.

to be heterogeneous

Highlights the non-uniformity and varied composition of a group or collection.

to be motley

Implies a diverse and often colorful assortment of things or people, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

to be eclectic

Indicates a wide-ranging selection of styles or ideas, often suggesting a refined or sophisticated taste.

to be jumbled

Suggests a disorganized mix of items, implying a lack of order or arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "to be miscellaneous" in a sentence?

You can use "to be miscellaneous" to describe a collection of items that don't fit neatly into specific categories. For example: "The contents of the drawer seemed "to be miscellaneous", ranging from old receipts to foreign coins."

What are some alternatives to "to be miscellaneous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be varied", "to be diverse", or "to be assorted".

When is it appropriate to use the term "miscellaneous"?

It's appropriate when categorizing items that are difficult to classify under a single, specific label. However, avoid overusing it as a catch-all for poorly defined categories.

Is "to be miscellaneous" formal or informal?

The phrase "to be miscellaneous" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal or scientific writing.