vast array

USAGE SUMMARY

"vast array" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a very large selection of items or concepts. Example sentence: The museum houses a vast array of ancient artifacts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A vast array of information was available".

The Guardian

There was a vast array of work.

The Washington Post

Amazon offers a vast array of goods.

The New York Times - Tech

Now we have a vast array of ways of communicating.

The Washington Post

There, Tonino Tizzano turns out a vast array of dishes.

The New York Times

You'll be staggered at the vast array of roles available.

The Guardian

The exhibition includes a vast array of her clothes.

The New York Times

They come in a vast array of colors.

The New York Times

There is a vast array of new treatment available.

The Guardian

A vast array of solutions are being rushed forward.

The Economist

"We have a vast array of instruments," Mr. Draghi said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast array" to emphasize the scale or variety of options, items, or possibilities being presented. This can add impact to your writing, especially when you want to convey the breadth of something.

Common error

Avoid using "vast array" repeatedly within a short span. It can make your writing sound monotonous. Opt for synonyms like "wide range" or "extensive collection" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast array" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase to describe a noun, indicating a large and diverse collection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, demonstrated through numerous examples showing it effectively conveys a sense of abundance and variety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Huffington Post

20%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

The Guardian

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast array" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a large and diverse collection of items or options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of abundance across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "wide range" or "extensive collection" for stylistic variation. Remember that "vast array" emphasizes diversity and scope, setting it apart from phrases like "large number" which focuses on quantity. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can confidently incorporate "vast array" into your writing to add impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide range

This alternative focuses on the diversity and scope of options.

large selection

This alternative emphasizes the number of choices available.

extensive collection

This alternative highlights a curated or gathered set of items.

considerable number

This alternative emphasizes the quantity or amount.

great variety

This alternative stresses the diversity and heterogeneity.

broad spectrum

This alternative suggests a continuous range of options.

immense assortment

This alternative underlines the vastness and variety of items.

substantial quantity

This alternative draws attention to the significant amount or volume.

plethora of options

This alternative implies an abundance, possibly even excessive, number of choices.

wealth of resources

This alternative highlights the abundance and value of available resources.

FAQs

How can I use "vast array" in a sentence?

You can use "vast array" to describe a large collection of items or a wide range of options. For example, "The store offers a "wide range" of products" or "The museum displays a "large selection" of artifacts".

What are some alternatives to "vast array"?

Some alternatives to "vast array" include "wide range", "large selection", "extensive collection", "great variety", and "broad spectrum".

Is "vast array" formal or informal?

"Vast array" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider more precise language depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "vast array" and "large number"?

"Vast array" emphasizes the variety and range of items, while "large number" primarily focuses on quantity. You would use "vast array" when the diversity is significant and "large number" when the sheer quantity is the key aspect.