wide variety of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide variety of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an assortment of things or a large number of different items. For example: "The store offers a wide variety of toys for kids of all ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wide variety of lubricants are available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Electromagnets have a wide variety of uses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Added value: Wide variety of courses.

Independent

Suffolk exhibits a wide variety of landscapes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A wide variety of numbers arriving.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a wide variety of folks.

The Guardian - Money

It is still possible to see a wide variety of birds in the branch, and a wide variety of insects, and a wide variety of wild flowers.

The New Yorker

This means that a wide variety of lice presupposes a wide variety of hosts.

The New York Times

"We are entertaining a wide variety of suggestions and ideas".

The New York Times

Kadhais are made from a wide variety of metals.

The New York Times - Food

Pollutants come from a wide variety of sources.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wide variety of", ensure the noun following 'of' is plural to accurately reflect the multiplicity being described. For instance, "a wide variety of options", not "a wide variety of option."

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "wide variety of". Always use a plural noun to indicate that there are multiple items or options, like in "a wide variety of flavors" instead of "a wide variety of flavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide variety of" functions as a determiner modifying a noun, indicating that there are many different types of that noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is used to describe a collection that is diverse and extensive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

17%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide variety of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a diverse collection of items or options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent use across diverse sources—including news media, scientific publications, encyclopedias and wikis—underscores its broad applicability. To ensure correct usage, always follow "wide variety of" with a plural noun. Consider related phrases such as "diverse assortment of" or "extensive range of" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "wide variety of" to enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varied selection of

Highlights the act of choosing from different options.

extensive range of

Focuses on the breadth and scope of options available.

broad spectrum of

Suggests a continuous range of possibilities.

diverse assortment of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the items in the collection.

comprehensive array of

Implies a complete and thorough collection.

multiple types of

Indicates the existence of several distinct categories.

spectrum of

Implies a range of different positions, opinions, etc. between two extreme points.

assorted kinds of

Stresses the mixed nature of the items.

multitudinous forms of

Emphasizes a very large number of variations.

kaleidoscope of

Uses a metaphor to suggest a vibrant and colorful diversity.

FAQs

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

Use "wide variety of" to indicate that there are many different types of something available. For instance, "The store sells a "wide variety of" cheeses from around the world".

What are some alternatives to "wide variety of"?

You can use phrases like "diverse assortment of", "extensive range of", or "varied selection of" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a wide variety of option"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is "a "wide variety of" options", using the plural form of the noun.

What's the difference between "wide variety of" and "wide range of"?

While both phrases indicate diversity, ""wide variety of"" emphasizes the different types of items, while "wide range of" ("wide range of") focuses more on the extent or scope of options.