a host of deities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of deities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of gods or divine beings, often in a mythological or religious context. Example: "In ancient cultures, a host of deities was worshipped, each representing different aspects of life and nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In one of the texts, Vinayaka teaches a host of deities and demons a one-syllable mantra, followed by a description of a ritual dedicated to the Dual Kangiten, which is also found in Amoghavajra's Daishoten Kangi Soshin Binayaka ho.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While there is a wide array of perspectives on the "Divine" as well as a host of deity figures, all Hindus worship a Supreme Being who is unchanging, all-present, timeless, formless, and pure love.

WikiHow

Shiva's rise to a major position in the pantheon was facilitated by his identification with a host of Vedic deities, including Purusha, Rudra, Agni, Indra,,, and others.

Wikipedia

Here's the twist: The earlier books posit a world in which the Greek gods have been relocated to the contemporary United States, whereas "The Red Pyramid" resurrects Isis, Horus and a host of other major and minor Egyptian deities, and this time the setting is more global — after all, Riordan is no longer writing in the hegemonic Bush era but rather in the multilateral age of Obama.

The New York Times - Books

In between lies a host of variations in which planets behave like deities (Solaris), gods walk the Earth in the guise of dodgy mortals (Neil Gaiman's American Gods), gods turn out to be "not what they seem" (a large number of Star Trek plots), or in which gods are simply as numerous as beetles (swathes of epic fantasy).

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only are there many deities (which go by a host of names), but they often represent a dizzying combination of opposing forces: creator and destroyer, ascetic and seducer.

The New York Times - Style

Egyptian deities, the Kabbalah, Aleister Crowley, Blake, Howard Hughes, JFK and a host of other 1970s countercultural icons and ­conspiracy theorists make an appearance.

The Guardian - Books

On a host of levels.

The New York Times - Magazine

A host of VR films.

Los Angeles Times

As he bathed, a number of deities came into being.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But felines were also associated with royalty and closely linked with a number of deities".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of deities", ensure the context clearly indicates a mythological, religious, or fantasy setting to maintain relevance and avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of deities" in contexts where it doesn't relate to religion, mythology, or fantasy. Using it to describe, for example, a large group of company executives would be inappropriate and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of deities" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to denote a large number of gods or divine beings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of deities" is a noun phrase used to refer to a large number of gods or divine beings, predominantly in mythological, religious, or fantasy contexts. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare. It's best suited for neutral to formal registers, making it appropriate for encyclopedic entries, news articles, and literary works. When aiming for clarity or informality, consider using alternatives like "many gods" or "multiple deities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of gods

Synonymous, emphasizing a large quantity of deities.

many gods

Simpler and more direct way to express multiple deities.

multiple deities

Focuses on the plurality of deities rather than a large gathering.

a pantheon of gods

Refers specifically to a structured collection of deities within a religion or mythology.

numerous divine beings

Emphasizes the count and the divine nature of the beings.

myriad deities

Uses 'myriad' to convey a very large, indefinite number of deities.

a divine assembly

Highlights the collective or gathering aspect of deities.

various divinities

Highlights the variety and divine nature of the entities.

a league of gods

Suggests a formal or informal alliance between deities.

a swarm of deities

Suggests the deities are moving or acting collectively in a large group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of deities" to describe a large number of gods or divine beings, especially in mythological or religious contexts. For instance: "In ancient cultures, "a host of deities" was worshipped, each representing different aspects of life and nature."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "many gods", "multiple deities", or "a multitude of gods".

Is "a host of deities" formal or informal?

"A host of deities" leans towards a more formal or literary style. Simpler alternatives like "many gods" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a host of deities"?

It is most appropriate in contexts relating to mythology, religion, fantasy literature, or historical discussions about polytheistic belief systems.