range of accommodation
B2Formal, Business, Academic, Tourism
Definition
Meaning
The variety or selection of places to stay (e.g., hotels, lodges, apartments) available in a specific location or for a specific purpose.
The spectrum of living or working spaces available, often differing in type, quality, price, or facilities; can also refer metaphorically to the scope of adjustment or adaptation possible in a system, theory, or viewpoint.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun phrase. In British English, 'accommodation' is typically uncountable, but 'a range of' makes it countable. The phrase often implies a curated or classified selection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference in British English for 'range of accommodation'; American English may use 'range of accommodations' (plural) more readily, though both forms are understood. 'Accommodation' in US English often refers specifically to lodging, while in UK English it can also mean a settlement or agreement.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors. US: Similar, but may also be used in corporate HR contexts (e.g., workplace accommodations for disabilities).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in travel and property industries.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The resort offers a [wide] range of accommodation [from budget rooms to luxury villas].We need to evaluate the available range of accommodation [for the conference delegates].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From five-star to no star (describing a wide range).”
- “Something for everyone.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The development plan includes a commercial centre with a full range of accommodation for international staff.
Academic
The study examines how the range of accommodation in coastal towns affects seasonal employment patterns.
Everyday
The website shows a good range of accommodation for our trip to Edinburgh.
Technical
Urban planners must ensure an equitable range of accommodation types across the city's districts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The agency can range the available accommodation by price and location.
- We need to range the accommodation options before presenting them.
American English
- The website ranges the accommodations by guest rating.
- They ranged the rental properties from cheapest to most expensive.
adverb
British English
- The properties were arranged range-of-accommodation-wise.
- He explained the options range-accommodation-style.
American English
- The listings are sorted range-of-accommodation-appropriately.
- They grouped the hotels range-accommodation-smartly.
adjective
British English
- The range-accommodation brochure is available at the tourist office.
- They conducted a range-accommodation survey.
American English
- The range-accommodation data was compiled by the city.
- They offer a range-accommodation service for corporate clients.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The town has a range of accommodation.
- We looked at a range of accommodation online.
- The island offers a range of accommodation, including hotels and apartments.
- You can find a range of accommodation to suit your budget.
- The conference organisers have secured a diverse range of accommodation near the venue.
- A key factor in the resort's success is its wide range of accommodation, from hostels to five-star spas.
- The policy paper critiques the city's inadequate range of affordable accommodation, linking it directly to socio-economic segregation.
- Urban regeneration must prioritise creating a sustainable and inclusive range of accommodation to foster community resilience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain RANGE with different types of houses (ACCOMMODATION) on each peak – from huts to castles – showing a RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCOMMODATION IS A SPECTRUM (implying variation along a scale of price, quality, or style).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'диапазон размещения' (too technical). Better: 'выбор жилья' or 'разнообразие вариантов проживания'.
- Do not confuse with 'range' as a kitchen appliance (плита) or 'accommodation' as a compromise (соглашение).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'accommodations' in UK English contexts where the uncountable form is preferred (e.g., 'a wide range of accommodations').
- Omitting the article: 'Hotels provide wide range of accommodation.' (Correct: '...a wide range...').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'range of accommodation' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, yes. In British English, 'range of accommodation' (uncountable) is the standard form, though the plural is sometimes seen in marketing to emphasise variety.
Yes. It can be used in academic discussions of housing policy, in business contexts for relocating employees, or metaphorically in fields like optics ('the eye's range of accommodation') or diplomacy.
'Range of accommodation' implies a spectrum, often ordered by criteria like price or quality. 'Types of accommodation' is a more neutral list of categories (e.g., hotel, hostel, B&B).
Use it to introduce or summarise a section detailing lodging options. E.g., 'Table 3 outlines the proposed range of accommodation for project personnel, ensuring suitability for diverse needs and durations of stay.'