a host of angels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a host of angels' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a large group of angels in a powerful, awe-inspiring manner. For example, you could say, "The sky was suddenly filled with a host of angels singing praise to God."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Nor did a host of angels sing.

The New York Times

The other manages to jimmy the lock on the gate, expecting to find "orchards full of apples," a host of angels, and his beloved mother on the other side.

The New Yorker

In 452, with the help of the apostles Peter and Paul and a host of angels (according to papal tradition), he convinced Attila and the Huns to withdraw to the banks of the Danube, thus saving Rome from destruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when it is reduced to a few pages in a history book, it can come across as a brisk parade from darkness to light led by a host of angels.

The New York Times

The play follows Prior, a gay New Yorker who discovers the purple AIDS lesion on his arm one day in 1985, and the swelter of humanity and history around him: a lover who leaves, Mormons in crisis, a closeted McCarthyite (the real-life Roy Cohn) and his enemy the formidable ghost of Ethel Rosenberg, and a host of angels who help end the story on a note of optimism.

The New York Times

She would think either that you were putting her on, or that God Himself had sent a host of angels to personally maintain order".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

During World War II, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was portrayed as Satan's voracious serpent, being repelled by a host of angel-like Allies, of course.

Harvard University

The move attracted a host of angel investors who breathed life into more than 20 other start-ups, enhancing Silicon Valley's reputation as the nation's high-tech center.

The New York Times

The company also has a host of Angel investors.

TechCrunch

In addition to a host of angel investors, Formation 8 recently led a $3 million seed round in Roniin.

TechCrunch

Square has raised $168 million in funding from Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, Khosla Ventures, SV Angel, First Round Capital, Visa and a host of angel investors.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of angels" to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, particularly when describing spiritual or miraculous events. Ensure the context aligns with the phrase's religious or metaphorical connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of angels" in purely secular or mundane situations. The phrase carries strong religious and spiritual connotations, making it unsuitable for describing everyday occurrences or non-spiritual gatherings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of angels" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a large, organized group of angels, often in a divine or spiritual context. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a host of angels" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe a large gathering of angels, typically in a religious or spiritual context. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase's register leans towards formal and literary settings. Its primary function is to inspire awe and reverence. Usage is most frequent in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias", and "Academia", as seen in Ludwig's examples. When writing, be mindful of the phrase's connotations and avoid using it in purely secular contexts to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A multitude of angels

Replaces "host" with "multitude", emphasizing a very large number.

An angelic throng

Uses "throng" to suggest a densely packed and possibly moving group of angels.

A legion of angels

Implies a vast number of angels, often associated with military or organized groups.

A heavenly array of angels

Emphasizes the visual spectacle and order of the angelic group.

A divine assembly of angels

Highlights the sacred and formal nature of the gathering.

A celestial gathering of angels

Focuses on the heavenly origin and collective nature of the angels.

A myriad of angels

Uses "myriad" to convey a countless or indefinitely large number of angels.

A sea of angels

Presents a vast, overwhelming expanse filled with angels.

A cloud of angels

Suggests a less defined, more diffuse gathering of angels.

A gathering of celestial beings

Replaces "angels" with the broader term "celestial beings", encompassing other divine entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of angels" to describe a large and impressive group of angels, often in a context that evokes awe or reverence. For example: "The heavens opened, and "a host of angels" descended, filling the sky with light."

What's a good alternative to "a host of angels"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "a multitude of angels", "an angelic throng", or "a heavenly array of angels".

Is "a host of angels" formal or informal?

"A host of angels" leans towards a more formal or literary register due to its religious and evocative nature. It's generally suitable for contexts where a sense of reverence or grandeur is desired.

What does "a host" mean in the phrase "a host of angels"?

In this context, "host" refers to a large number or multitude. It's an archaic usage that emphasizes the impressive size and scale of the angelic gathering.