A host of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A host of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of challenges or problems that one may face in a particular situation. Example: "The project was delayed due to a host of difficulties, including budget constraints and staffing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In his first year as leader of independent Slovakia, Mečiar faced a host of difficulties.

Britannica

Although this could occur through purchases of asset-backed securities, there are a host of difficulties in turning this idea into practice.

The Economist

If, as has often been claimed largely because of Boswell's biography we know Johnson as we know few other people in history (or few other characters in literature), we know him primarily as a man who overcame a host of difficulties to become the leading scholar and writer of his age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What I see is that chronic Lyme disease or late-stage Lyme disease has been adopted as an inappropriate label by some non-mainstream clinicians for a host of difficulties such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain disorders, or mental fogginess.

Johns Hopkins University

Sears, Roebuck and Co. and others have tried several times over the last decade to interest developers in acquiring the property, but have met a host of difficulties along the way.

Huffington Post

They face a host of difficulties and dangers living here, including malnutrition.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is a strong risk factor for suicide and is associated with a host of psychological difficulties and disorders which include, but are not limited to: mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, difficulties with negative affect (e.g., anxiety, frustration), hopelessness, self-criticism, poor body image, and low self-esteem [ 2, 3].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In the past we have argued against earmarking taxes in this way: it raises a host of budgetary difficulties.

The Economist

Ove Gudmestad, professor of marine and Arctic technology at the University of Stavanger in Norway, also raises a host of potential difficulties, notably the suitability of existing oilfield equipment, oil and gas price uncertainty and troubled relations with local people in the Arctic.

The Guardian

Despite the developed-market slump since 2007, almost no big car plants have been closed.Don't cry for me, Ford CortinaThat comfort will be short-lived, however, because even the healthier carmakers face a host of other difficulties.

The Economist

There are unmet expectations, unscrupulous recruiters and employers, lack of capacity in some countries to provide needed protections, and a host of other difficulties.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of difficulties", ensure the context clearly defines or implies the nature of these difficulties for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of difficulties" as a vague placeholder. Instead, provide specific examples or categories of difficulties to enhance the reader's understanding and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively describing numerous challenges or problems in a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of difficulties" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations burdened by numerous challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across varied contexts, notably in News & Media, Formal & Business publications, and Encyclopedias. To use the phrase effectively, ensure the surrounding context provides sufficient detail about the nature of the difficulties. Alternatives such as "a multitude of problems" or "numerous obstacles" can offer stylistic variations. By being specific and avoiding overuse, you can effectively communicate the complexity of a situation without sacrificing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A multitude of problems

Emphasizes the large number of problems present, similar to "a host of difficulties".

A myriad of challenges

Highlights the variety and complexity of the challenges involved.

Numerous obstacles

Focuses on the barriers or impediments encountered.

A series of setbacks

Suggests a sequence of negative events hindering progress.

Many complications

Points out the presence of intricate and potentially confusing issues.

A range of issues

Indicates a spectrum of different problems that need to be addressed.

Several predicaments

Emphasizes difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situations.

Various troubles

A more general term indicating difficulties or problems.

A pack of woes

A more emotive and descriptive term for problems and troubles.

A basketful of struggles

Emphasizes efforts made under hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "a host of difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "a host of difficulties" to describe a situation characterized by numerous problems or challenges. For example: "The project encountered "a host of difficulties", including budget cuts and staffing shortages."

What are some alternatives to saying "a host of difficulties"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a multitude of problems", "numerous obstacles", or "many complications", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to list the specific difficulties instead of saying "a host of difficulties"?

Listing specific difficulties provides greater clarity and impact. However, "a host of difficulties" can be useful as a concise summary when the specific details are either already known or too numerous to list exhaustively.

What's the difference between "a host of difficulties" and "a series of setbacks"?

"A host of difficulties" implies many concurrent or interconnected problems, while "a series of setbacks" suggests a sequence of events that hinder progress.