variety of items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "variety of items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a diverse selection or assortment of different objects or products. Example: "The store offers a variety of items, from clothing to electronics, catering to all customer needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SUNDRY TAX ITEMS There are a variety of items that extend current tax breaks.

The New York Times

The variety of items on the site is dizzying.

The New York Times

It sells a variety of items, including socks, hats and household items.

The New York Times

Gadgets Blast! (//gadgets.pdablast.com/) offers information about the latest technologies available for a variety of items.

The New York Times

For the uninitiated, the variety of items on the market can be dizzying.

The Washington Post

On a kitchen table two young women have assembled a variety of items.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, the survey provides a telling snapshot of the variety of items the government is selling online.

The New York Times

Ms. Liu's buyer contact there suggested the fruit snacks were getting lost among a huge variety of items.

The New York Times

Amway sells a variety of items like cosmetics and soap through a pyramid-style network of salespeople.

The New York Times

Material from cows was used in a wide variety of items, including beauty products, polio vaccines and weightlifters' steroid substitutes.

The New York Times

The booths were all numbered and contained a great variety of items from all over the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection, be specific about the "variety of items" to enhance clarity. Instead of saying 'The store has a variety of items', specify 'The store has a variety of items, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.'

Common error

Avoid using "variety of items" as a generic placeholder. Always follow it with specific examples or categories to give readers a clear understanding of what you're describing. Instead of just writing 'The museum displays a variety of items', elaborate: 'The museum displays a variety of items, such as ancient artifacts, contemporary art, and historical documents'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variety of items" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a collection of diverse objects or products. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variety of items" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a diverse collection of objects or products. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is used to emphasize the diversity within a set. It appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you follow it with specific examples to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases include "assortment of products" and "range of goods". This phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable addition to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assortment of products

Emphasizes a collection of different products.

range of goods

Highlights the extent and scope of available merchandise.

selection of articles

Focuses on choosing specific items from a larger set.

diverse array of merchandise

Stresses the variety and appeal of the items.

varied collection of objects

Highlights the different kinds of objects.

spectrum of commodities

Implies a complete and broad assortment of goods.

miscellany of items

Suggests a random and diverse group of things.

eclectic mix of products

Emphasizes an interesting and unconventional grouping.

accumulation of things

Focuses on the gathering of various items.

potpourri of goods

Suggests a mixture of desirable items.

FAQs

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

You can use "variety of items" to describe a diverse collection of goods, products, or objects. For example, "The store offers a "variety of items", including clothing, electronics, and home decor."

What are some alternatives to saying "variety of items"?

Some alternatives include "assortment of products", "range of goods", or "selection of articles", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "wide variety of items" or just "variety of items"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "wide "variety of items"" emphasizes a more extensive and diverse selection.

When should I specify the items after using "variety of items"?

It is best to specify the items whenever possible to provide clarity and avoid vagueness. For instance, instead of "The shop sells a "variety of items"", say "The shop sells a variety of items such as books, toys, and stationery."