variety of

USAGE SUMMARY

"variety of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used when referencing a large selection or range of something, such as a "variety of flavors" or a "variety of animals". For example, you might say "The store had a wide variety of snacks to choose from".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some variety of awe?

The New Yorker

found a variety of shortcomings.

The New York Times

"It's a variety of things.

The New York Times - Sports

For a variety of reasons.

The Economist

"Just a variety of issues".

Los Angeles Times

A variety of herbal teas.

Bplans

A variety of food.

WikiHow

Have variety of shampoo.

WikiHow

Try a variety of necklines.

WikiHow

Have a variety of music.

WikiHow

Get a variety of shots.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "variety of", ensure the noun that follows is plural to maintain grammatical correctness. For example, use "a variety of options", not "a variety of option".

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after the phrase "variety of". The correct usage is always with a plural noun, indicating multiple items or options. For example, it should be "a variety of solutions", not "a variety of solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variety of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, that modifies a noun to indicate that there are many different types of something. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a common and acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variety of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate a range or selection of items, options, or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its use spans across various contexts, from formal news articles to informal wiki pages. When using "variety of", ensure that it is followed by a plural noun to maintain grammatical accuracy. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "range of" or "selection of", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diversity of

Emphasizes the different and distinct characteristics within a group.

range of

Indicates the extent or scope within which different things can be found.

plethora of

Suggests a greater abundance or excess than "variety of".

selection of

Focuses on the act of choosing from a group of items.

multitude of

Highlights a large number or quantity of items.

array of

Suggests an organized or impressive display of different items.

assortment of

Implies a collection of different things suitable for various needs.

spectrum of

Implies a continuous range or gradient rather than distinct options.

gamut of

Implies the full range of variations.

accumulation of

Suggests a gradual gathering of different things over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "variety of" to indicate a range or selection of different items or options, such as "The store offers a "variety of" products" or "There is a "variety of" opinions on the matter".

What's a good alternative to "variety of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "range of", "selection of", or "assortment of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a variety of thing"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase "variety of" should always be followed by a plural noun. The correct usage is "a "variety of" things".

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

"Diversity of" emphasizes the differences between items, while ""variety of"" simply indicates a range or selection. You would use "diversity" when highlighting distinct characteristics, and "variety" when pointing out multiple options.