a host of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of challenges or problems one might face in a situation. Example: "The project was delayed due to a host of difficulties, including budget constraints and staffing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Although this could occur through purchases of asset-backed securities, there are a host of difficulties in turning this idea into practice.

The Economist

If, as has often been claimed largely because of Boswell's biography we know Johnson as we know few other people in history (or few other characters in literature), we know him primarily as a man who overcame a host of difficulties to become the leading scholar and writer of his age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sears, Roebuck and Co. and others have tried several times over the last decade to interest developers in acquiring the property, but have met a host of difficulties along the way.

Huffington Post

They face a host of difficulties and dangers living here, including malnutrition.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a strong risk factor for suicide and is associated with a host of psychological difficulties and disorders which include, but are not limited to: mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, difficulties with negative affect (e.g., anxiety, frustration), hopelessness, self-criticism, poor body image, and low self-esteem [ 2, 3].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In the past we have argued against earmarking taxes in this way: it raises a host of budgetary difficulties.

The Economist

Ove Gudmestad, professor of marine and Arctic technology at the University of Stavanger in Norway, also raises a host of potential difficulties, notably the suitability of existing oilfield equipment, oil and gas price uncertainty and troubled relations with local people in the Arctic.

The Guardian

Despite the developed-market slump since 2007, almost no big car plants have been closed.Don't cry for me, Ford CortinaThat comfort will be short-lived, however, because even the healthier carmakers face a host of other difficulties.

The Economist

There are unmet expectations, unscrupulous recruiters and employers, lack of capacity in some countries to provide needed protections, and a host of other difficulties.

Huffington Post

And even if the environments can be created for living animals at large scales, recreating extinct animals' habitats for a "cageless" experience would bring a host of other difficulties.

Huffington Post

He outlined his ambition of ensuring the club returned to the top tier in non-league, despite a host of financial difficulties at the club, he stated "my ambition is to see silverware in the table, and if you can't take the pressure, you shouldn't take big jobs like this one".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of difficulties", be specific in outlining the key challenges to provide context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

While "a host of difficulties" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "a range of complications" or "a multitude of problems" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a large number or wide range of problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a host of difficulties" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe numerous challenges or problems. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. While the phrase is common, writers should aim to provide precise details on the underlying challenges in order to make it even more impactful. Alternatives such as "a multitude of problems" and "a series of challenges" can add variation. By following best practices and keeping stylistic considerations in mind, writers can effectively use "a host of difficulties" to make their writing clear and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of problems

Replaces 'host' with 'multitude' emphasizing a large quantity of problems instead of focusing on the collection.

a series of challenges

Substitutes 'difficulties' with 'challenges' suggesting a test of one's abilities rather than inherent problems.

an array of obstacles

Uses 'array' and 'obstacles' to create a more visual and potentially imposing image of the difficulties.

a range of complications

Replaces 'difficulties' with 'complications' indicating issues that make something more complex or harder to deal with.

a cluster of issues

Emphasizes that the difficulties are interconnected and form a group of related problems.

a string of setbacks

Focuses on the difficulties as events that delay or prevent progress, highlighting the negative impact.

a plethora of predicaments

Uses 'plethora' and 'predicaments' to create a more formal and somewhat dramatic expression of the difficulties.

various hurdles

Simple switch. A less intense and simpler version that focuses on the action of jumping over obstacles

numerous snags

Switch of words and a less formal tone.

several stumbling blocks

Replaces the entire phrase with a metaphor describing difficulties as impediments to progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of difficulties" to describe a situation with many problems. For instance, "The project encountered "a host of difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a multitude of problems", "a series of challenges", or "an array of obstacles", which offer similar meanings depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a host of difficulty"?

No, the correct form is "a host of difficulties". "Difficulties" is plural because "host" implies a large number of individual problems, thus requiring the plural form.

What's the difference between "a host of difficulties" and "some difficulties"?

"A host of difficulties" implies a large number or wide range of problems, while "some difficulties" suggests a smaller, less overwhelming set of issues.