a host of faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of faces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of people or expressions, often in a context where diversity or variety is emphasized. Example: "As I entered the room, I was greeted by a host of faces, each one eager to welcome me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And the lineup of roughly 220 dealers in the fair's main section, known as the Galleries sector, will feature a host of faces not present five years ago, he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The calibre of mentors, angels, VCs and CEOs passing through Seedcamp this week was astoundinlgy high – from Bebo co-founder Michael Birch, to Brent Hoberman from Lastminute/MyDeco and a host of faces from Europe and the US; from Google, to Facebook to Microsoft.

TechCrunch

Key January move: Manager Ian Baraclough has brought in a host of faces from the English lower leagues he knows so well, but it could be the return of Motherwell old boy and former Scotland midfielder Stephen Pearson that provides the midfield influence that steadies the sinking ship that led to Stuart McCall's departure.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That expectation shapes behavior, said Mr. McMillan, who is also a host of "Face Off," a weekly public-affairs program on Thursday night on WLIW, Channel 21. "Executives don't go anywhere anymore without their cellphones," he said.

The New York Times

The home side take a host of unfamiliar faces into the series, beginning in Hobart on Wednesday, with Chris Lynn and James Muirhead uncapped.

The Guardian - Sport

This was followed by a host of famous faces who insulted Stewart to the best of their abilities.

The Guardian

In addition to a host of new faces, what the Rapids now have in abundance are question marks.

The New York Times

A host of famous faces also took part in this year's run in support of good causes.

The Telegraph

Villas-Boas has struggled to manage the transition since the sale of Gareth Bale and the influx, for a second successive summer, of a host of new faces.

The Guardian - Sport

Two presenters on multi-million pound salaries, an expensive new set, a host of fresh faces and a ratings slump that shows no sign of ending.

The Guardian

The cast was headed by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen battling the flames to rescue a host of famous faces from a burning 138-storey hotel.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of faces" when you want to convey the idea of a large number of people, especially when emphasizing variety or diversity within the group.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of faces" when you simply mean 'some' or 'several'. The phrase implies a significant number, not just a few individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of faces" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly describes a large number of people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a host of faces" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a large number of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various writing contexts, particularly when emphasizing the diversity or variety within a group. While commonly found in news and media, it's essential to avoid misusing it when a smaller number of people is intended. Alternatives like "a multitude of people" or "numerous individuals" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of people

Emphasizes a very large number; more formal than "a host of faces".

many individuals

Emphasizes the number of separate people involved.

numerous people

Highlights the large quantity of people present.

a crowd of people

Focuses on the collective aspect and physical presence of a large group.

various individuals

Highlights the diversity among the people.

a sea of faces

Creates a visual image of many faces, often in a crowd.

a throng of people

Suggests a densely packed crowd.

a collection of individuals

Implies a more curated or selected group of people.

an array of people

Suggests an organized or impressive display of different people.

several individuals

Indicates a smaller, unspecified number of people.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The conference featured "a host of faces" from various industries", indicating a diverse group of attendees.

What's a good alternative to "a host of faces"?

Consider using "a multitude of people" or "many individuals" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "a host of faces" formal or informal?

"A host of faces" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "numerous people" may be preferable in highly formal writing.

Does "a host of faces" imply anything about the people's feelings?

No, the phrase itself doesn't convey any specific emotion. You would need to add additional context to describe the people's expressions or feelings.