a host of complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of complications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of difficulties or issues that arise in a particular situation. Example: "The project faced a host of complications, including budget overruns and staffing shortages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the E.P.A. regulations come with a host of complications.

The New York Times

Those with the disease suffer from severe pain and a host of complications.

Stanford University

That shifting of populations renders bird species vulnerable to a host of complications.

Stanford University

A host of complications and controversies attend nearly every dimension of the disease, from prevention to diagnosis to treatment.

The Washington Post

Myasthenia gravis is exceptionally rare in young men and it, and a host of complications, very nearly killed him.

The Guardian

Prior restraint is a legal concept that seems innocent but can lead to a host of complications and abuses.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Five years ago, after learning that the baby I was carrying had Down syndrome and a host of other complications, my husband and I chose to end the pregnancy.

The New York Times

Along with extended survival, these agents are accompanied by a host of cutaneous complications that affect the skin, hair, and nails.

Stanford University

That can lead to preventable hospitalizations and a host of avoidable complications, adverse reactions to treatment, and duplication of expensive, sometimes hazardous tests.

The New York Times - Health

If poorly managed, however, T1D results in a host of serious complications, including blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputation of limbs, and heart disease; if left entirely uncontrolled, T1D is fatal.

Columbia University

Despite the favorable recovery of most patients, some will have their post-operative period interrupted by the development of atrial fibrillation, with a host of potential complications including stroke.

Springer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of complications", ensure the context clearly indicates what these complications relate to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

While "a host of complications" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a range of difficulties" or "numerous challenges" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of complications" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing issues arising in various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of complications" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to depict situations burdened by numerous difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while the Ludwig examples shows its common usage in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While effective, overuse can be avoided by employing synonyms such as "a multitude of problems" or "numerous challenges". Consider what the context of the "a host of complications" refers to in order to assure the reader understands its meaning within the writing. Overall, it is a versatile way to express an abundance of problems in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of problems

Replaces "host" with "multitude" and "complications" with "problems", making it slightly less formal.

a range of difficulties

Substitutes "host" with "range" and "complications" with "difficulties", suggesting a spectrum of issues.

a plethora of issues

Uses "plethora" to emphasize abundance and "issues" as a broader term for complications.

a series of setbacks

Replaces the original phrase with words that convey a negative impact or delay.

numerous challenges

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the problems instead of just their existence.

various obstacles

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the complications, portraying them as impediments.

several snags

Offers a more informal way to express unexpected problems or hitches.

many predicaments

Replaces "complications" with a word emphasizing difficult or dangerous situations.

an array of troubles

Uses "array" to denote a structured collection of problems, less intense than "host".

a basketful of headaches

Employs a metaphor to describe the complications as annoying and bothersome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of complications" to describe numerous difficulties arising from a situation. For example, "The project encountered "a host of complications" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "a host of complications"?

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of problems", "a range of difficulties", or "numerous challenges" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a host of complications" or "many complications"?

"A host of complications" emphasizes a large number and variety of issues, while "many complications" is a simpler, more direct alternative. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

What are some common situations that might lead to "a host of complications"?

Situations like complex projects, medical procedures, legal battles, or unexpected events can often lead to "a host of complications".