a host of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a host of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large number of people or things. For example, "A host of people attended the protest in support of the movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On a host of levels.

The New York Times - Magazine

The announcement raised a host of questions.

The New York Times

There are a host of initiatives.

Independent

Legislatures must answer a host of questions.

The Economist

Nor did a host of angels sing.

The New York Times

This raises a host of concerns.

The New York Times

Basically, a host of anti-Belichicks.

The New York Times - Sports

That raises a host of issues.

Independent

Researchers have used a host of definitions.

The Economist

Pony Express riders faced a host of perils.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A host of candidates had strong credentials.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of" to add emphasis to a large quantity, especially when you want to suggest variety or impressiveness. For example, "The conference attracted a host of international speakers."

Common error

While "a host of" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-reliance can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "many", "numerous", or "a multitude of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a large number or amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it preceding nouns to specify quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that functions as a determiner to indicate a large quantity or number. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its wide applicability in diverse contexts, especially news and media. To maintain writing quality, remember to vary your language and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms like "many" or "numerous" when appropriate. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "a host of" to add emphasis and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of

Emphasizes a very large number or quantity, often suggesting more than just 'many'.

a large number of

A more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing a considerable quantity.

an abundance of

Similar to 'plethora', suggesting a plentiful supply.

a great deal of

Focuses on the extent or amount, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.

a great quantity of

Highlights the substantial amount or volume.

a plethora of

Indicates an overabundance or excessive amount.

a wide range of

Highlights the diversity within a collection, rather than just the quantity.

a swarm of

Implies a large number, often used for living things.

numerous

A concise adjective indicating that something exists in large numbers.

many

A simple and direct alternative for expressing quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a host of" followed by a plural noun to indicate a large number or amount. For example, "A host of problems arose during the project."

What are some alternatives to "a host of"?

You can use alternatives like "many", "numerous", "a multitude of", or "a wide range of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a hosts of" instead of "a host of"?

No, the correct phrase is "a host of". "Hosts" is the plural form of "host", but in this idiomatic expression, "host" remains singular. The phrase refers to a large group or collection, not multiple hosts.

What is the difference between "a host of" and "many"?

While both indicate a large quantity, "a host of" often implies a greater number or a more impressive collection than simply saying "many". "A host of" can also suggest variety or diversity within the group.