a host of devotees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of devotees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of followers or supporters of a particular person, cause, or belief. Example: "The festival attracted a host of devotees who came to celebrate and pay their respects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kerouac drank himself to death at the age of 47 in 1969, leaving behind a small oeuvre of semi-autobiographical novels and a host of devotees.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Like many transformational entertainment experiences (think TiVo), satellite radio has a host of passionate devotees yet remains a small blip on the consumer awareness screen.

Forbes

This is a "study" to learn from: under three minutes long, with neither a murder in Algeria nor a host of worldly cigarette devotees, it wrangles reality, beauty, colonialism and filmmaking into an effective whole.

The New York Times - Arts

Towering symbols of the Christian world, Europe's magnificent cathedrals represent the hope, promise and ambition of a host of nations, rulers and faithful devotees.

HuffPost

For both critics and devotees, her name conjures up "Mayhem Parva" - a Home Counties village with respectful rustics and a host of middle- and upper-class characters.

Independent

On a host of levels.

The New York Times - Magazine

A host of VR films.

Los Angeles Times

It's popular – the mandir regularly hosts thousands of devotees at a time – though as an interesting aside, there are apparently only six converts to the BAPS Swaminarayan sect in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Afterward, Mr. Sterner took a bow to hearty applause and greeted a line of devotees.

The New York Times

A group of devotees chased him down and beat him to death.

Independent

A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of devotees" when you want to emphasize the large number and dedication of followers or supporters. It adds a sense of scale and commitment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of devotees" in contexts where a neutral or negative connotation is more appropriate. The phrase generally implies a positive and respectful sentiment towards the group of followers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of devotees" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a group of people who are ardent followers or supporters of a particular person, belief, or cause. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase's correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of devotees" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a large group of dedicated followers. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While its frequency is uncommon, it effectively conveys the scale and commitment of supporters, according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of followers

Replaces "host" with "multitude" emphasizing a large number of followers.

a large following

More concise, focusing on the size of the group of followers.

a legion of admirers

Uses "legion" to suggest a vast and organized group of admirers.

a throng of worshippers

Specifically refers to those who worship a deity or figure.

a sea of supporters

Uses metaphorical language to convey the vastness of the support.

an army of believers

Emphasizes the strong conviction and dedication of the group.

a crowd of adherents

Highlights the group's commitment to a particular belief or system.

a flock of followers

Suggests a group that is closely guided or led.

numerous disciples

Implies a teacher-student relationship within the group.

countless enthusiasts

Focuses on the passion and excitement of the group members.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of devotees" to describe a large group of people who are dedicated to a particular person, belief, or cause. For example, "The guru attracted "a host of devotees" from around the world."

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

Some alternatives include "a multitude of followers", "a large following", or "a legion of admirers", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a host of devotees" formal or informal?

"A host of devotees" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the overall tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrase accordingly.

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

In this context, "a host of" means a large number or a multitude. It's used to emphasize the quantity of devotees.