a host of characteristics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of characteristics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number or variety of traits or features associated with a person, object, or concept. Example: "The new smartphone comes with a host of characteristics that set it apart from its competitors, including a high-resolution camera and extended battery life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A host of characteristics and disturbances can accelerate or diminish each of these processes.

Environmental Science & Technology

For this study, we sampled five locations within each home and assessed a host of characteristics of the homes and occupants, yielding a robust data set.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Although the instrumental variables approach could potentially improve the model, we consider the autonomy indicator as a proxy for a host of characteristics related to women's agency that are not covered by other measures of women's status or socioeconomic characteristics.

Demographic Research

In addition, individuals in the LDS Church tend to reflect a host of characteristics (i.e., low smoking prevalence, a high proportion married, a high proportion medically insured, and a high level of education) that are associated with good general health.

BMC Cancer

However, the level and nature of support required may vary depending on a host of characteristics, including an individual's demographic and socio-economic characteristics, and the extent to which individuals can use technologies in their home environment to compensate for disabilities (Costa-Font 2008; Graciani et al. 2004).

Ageing and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

What this amounts to, in practice, is that many male characters have strikingly attractive female love interests who also possess a host of other characteristics that make them appealing.

The New Yorker

"Empathy, caring, sharing, inhibition of aggression, capacity to love and a host of other characteristics of a healthy, happy and productive person are related to the core attachment capabilities which are formed in infancy and early childhood," noted Professor Bruce Perry, the renowned child mental health researcher.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, regressions controlling for a host of firm characteristics show that the worsening in general credit conditions has been more pronounced for non-innovative firms with the exception of absolute credit rationing which still remains more severe for innovative firms.

Research Policy

Comparing comments on the website to those made on the same article when posted on Facebook, Rowe found that users were more than half as likely to be uncivil on the website, with comments on stereotypes, sarcasm, name calling, and a host of other characteristics that we've all seen before.

TechCrunch

Rather than focusing simply on race, it would be much more egalitarian to consider a host of other characteristics constituting the profile of an underprivileged student.

Huffington Post

Education and income gradients are thought to affect obesity-related health behaviors, such as television viewing [ 7], work and leisure sitting time [ 8], food purchasing behavior [ 9], access to healthy foods [ 10], access to physical activity facilities [ 11], and a host of neighborhood characteristics such as crime and walkability [ 12].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of characteristics", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity possesses these characteristics. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "a host of characteristics" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to specify the traits rather than relying on this general phrase repeatedly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of characteristics" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, modifying a noun by indicating that it possesses many qualities or features. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a host of characteristics" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe something possessing numerous and varied attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse sources, including scientific, news, and formal business contexts. To enhance writing, ensure the context clearly identifies the subject with these characteristics and consider using more precise language when appropriate to avoid overuse. Alternative phrases like "a multitude of features" or "a variety of attributes" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of features

Replaces "host" with "multitude" and "characteristics" with "features", emphasizing a large number of attributes.

a variety of attributes

Substitutes "host" with "variety" and "characteristics" with "attributes", highlighting diversity among the traits.

an array of qualities

Replaces "host" with "array" and "characteristics" with "qualities", suggesting an organized or impressive collection of traits.

a range of properties

Substitutes "host" with "range" and "characteristics" with "properties", focusing on the extent and nature of the traits.

a collection of traits

Replaces "host" with "collection" and "characteristics" with "traits", emphasizing a group of specific attributes.

numerous aspects

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression indicating many facets or angles.

various elements

Substitutes the phrase with an expression pointing to the different components or parts.

multiple facets

Replaces the phrase with an expression that highlights the different sides or angles of something.

several dimensions

Substitutes the phrase with a term that focuses on the multiple layers or perspectives.

diverse characteristics

Implies variance and difference between the traits, and eliminates the idiom "a host of".

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of characteristics" to describe something that has many qualities. For instance, "The candidate possesses "a host of characteristics" that make them ideal for the job."

What are some alternatives to "a host of characteristics"?

Some alternatives include "a multitude of features", "a variety of attributes", or "numerous aspects" depending on the specific context.

Is "a host of characteristics" formal or informal?

"A host of characteristics" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but in highly formal or technical writing, more precise language may be preferred.

What's the difference between "a host of characteristics" and "diverse characteristics"?

"A host of characteristics" implies a large number of traits, while "diverse characteristics" emphasizes the varied and different nature of those traits.