variety

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “variety” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a range or selection of different things. For example: "The store offers a wide variety of candy flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Commission needs to make sure that consumers continue to have access to a wide variety of music in different physical and digital formats at competitive conditions".

The New York Times

Our insatiable demand for variety and novelty has led to ever-shorter product life cycles.

The Economist

As part of the R2 project we created a variety of templates which could be switched in largely at will.

The Guardian

The first, and most obviously, is a variety of templates.

The Guardian

Maybe we do not know a very posh kind of English or a large variety of words, but still I think it's enough to communicate.

The Guardian

Byron also has many other distractions including great shopping and a variety of alternate therapies.

The Guardian - Travel

"Meanwhile, I'll turn my attention to a small variety of bao buns".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the US, it's standard to take a variety of subjects alongside your major.

The Guardian

In recent years, a variety of challenges and opportunities have been thrown at the NFP sector, from public service delivery to mergers and the need to diversify income.

The Guardian

The variety show debuted last Sunday with an audience of 4.2 million viewers and a 23.9% share.

The Guardian

Enthusiastic Wii Sports usage has seen televisions destroyed by flying remotes and a variety of injuries, including fractured limbs, dislocated knee caps, torn knee ligaments and facial injuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precise communication, ensure the noun "variety" is followed by an 'of' phrase to specify what is varied (e.g., "a variety of options").

Common error

Avoid using "variety" vaguely. Always clarify what the "variety" refers to, ensuring the reader understands the scope and context.

Linguistic Context

The noun "variety" functions as a descriptor of multiplicity and diversity, denoting a range of different things or qualities. As Ludwig highlights, it's often used to indicate a collection or assortment within a specific context. The examples show its common use in various descriptive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "variety" is a versatile noun used to describe a range or assortment of different things. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across numerous contexts, particularly in News & Media. Related terms include "assortment", "range", and "diversity", each offering nuanced ways to convey the concept of multiplicity. It's important to specify the domain of the "variety" for clarity, avoiding vague usage. Remember to use "a variety of" correctly with both countable and uncountable nouns. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently use this term, underscoring its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assortment

Focuses on a collection of different things, emphasizing the selection aspect.

diversity

Emphasizes the presence of different elements or qualities, often in a broader context.

range

Highlights the extent or scope of different items or options.

selection

Implies a curated collection chosen from a larger set of possibilities.

spectrum

Highlights a continuous range of different elements or qualities.

mixture

Suggests a combination of different components blended together.

array

Emphasizes an organized display or arrangement of different items.

multiplicity

Focuses on the large number of different things or aspects.

gamut

Implies a complete or comprehensive range covering all possibilities.

collection

Suggests a gathering of different items, often with a unifying theme or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "variety" in a sentence?

You can use "variety" to describe a range of different things, for example: "The store offers a wide "variety of" products."

What can I say instead of "variety"?

Alternatives to "variety" include "assortment", "range", or "diversity", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a variety of" or "varieties of"?

"A "variety of"" is used with both countable and uncountable nouns, while "varieties of" is used to refer to multiple types or kinds of something countable.

What is the difference between "variety" and "diversity"?

"Variety" refers to a range of different things within a specific category, while "diversity" often implies a broader range of differences across multiple categories or contexts. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "diversity" often carries connotations of inclusivity or representation.