variety of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "variety of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a diverse range of items, topics, or concepts. Example: "During the workshop, we discussed a variety of things, including project management techniques and team collaboration strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a variety of things.

The New York Times - Sports

I enjoy doing a variety of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

A We've done a variety of things.

The New York Times

I write a variety of things, novels among them.

The New Yorker

You can use it for a variety of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

From here, there's a variety of things you can do.

The New Yorker

I've always been interested in a variety of things.

The Guardian

You can gain these skills doing a variety of things.

The Guardian

"I like the variety of things," he said.

The New York Times

"A variety of things is important," Dr. Toga said.

The New York Times

"We think we can make progress, and we are doing a variety of things — putting a variety of things in place to get that progress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "variety of things" when you want to emphasize diversity without being overly specific. For instance, "The museum offers a "variety of things" to see, from ancient artifacts to modern art."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "variety of things" when specific details would provide more clarity. Instead of saying 'The course covers a "variety of things",' specify the key topics: 'The course covers project management, data analysis, and team leadership.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variety of things" functions as a noun phrase. It represents a collection or assortment of unspecified items, aspects, or subjects. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used to indicate diversity without being overly specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variety of things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to indicate a diverse assortment of items, topics, or aspects. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and general writing, which contributes to its neutral register. While it is a useful and acceptable phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and consider whether providing specific details would enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "range of items" or "diverse set of things" can be used for similar purpose and to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse array

Emphasizes the wide-ranging and distinct nature of the items.

assortment of items

Uses 'assortment' to emphasize a carefully chosen collection, implying a deliberate selection.

spectrum of options

Presents a range of choices viewed along a continuum.

range of subjects

Focuses on the breadth of topics covered, suitable when referring to discussions or studies.

multitude of facets

Emphasizes the many sides or angles of a situation or topic.

selection of objects

Highlights the act of choosing from a set of possibilities.

plethora of aspects

Uses 'plethora' to suggest a large or excessive quantity of considerations.

mixture of elements

Suggests a blending of different components, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

collection of matters

Implies a formal or organized grouping of issues or concerns.

accumulation of details

Highlights the gathering or amassing of specific information.

FAQs

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

Use "variety of things" when you want to refer to a diverse range of items, topics or activities without listing them all. For example, "The store sells a "variety of things", including books, toys, and clothing."

What phrases are similar to "variety of things"?

You can use alternatives like "range of items", "diverse set of things", or "assortment of items" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "variety of things"?

In many cases, yes. While "variety of things" is acceptable, providing specific details often makes your writing clearer and more informative. For example, instead of "The event included a "variety of things"," you could say "The event included music, food, and games."

When is it appropriate to use "variety of things"?

It's appropriate when listing all the items would be too lengthy or unnecessary. It's also useful when you want to emphasize the diversity of options without focusing on specific items. In scenarios, where the user may have a lot of "choice of things" it is appropriate to keep the phrase.