ENGLISH
REFERENCE

a variety of sth

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. many different types of something.

fixed phr.. a quantifier phrase used to indicate a diverse range or selection of items within a specific category.


SIMPLE

The shop sells a variety of fresh fruit.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum offers a variety of activities for children during the summer holidays.

COMPLEX

The researchers examined a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status and educational background, to determine the study's outcome.

Usage

Usually followed by a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun.

Teaching tip

remind students that 'a variety of' functions like 'many' or 'various' and usually requires a plural noun even though 'variety' is singular.

Pitfall

There are a variety of book on the shelf.There are a variety of books on the shelf.the noun following 'a variety of' must be plural because the phrase implies multiple different types.

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