a host of figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of people or things, often in a context where they are being considered collectively. Example: "The report presented a host of figures that illustrated the company's growth over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Later, she speaks to a host of figures from both her past and her present.

The New York Times - Books

By elevating a host of figures from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, Mr Singh may have bolstered Congress's profile in those states.

The Economist

There were a host of figures from other clubs and other eras with this no doubt the first and probably only time that John Terry and Didier Drogba received applause from Liverpool fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Surrounded by a host of figures ranging from the wits of the Algonquin Round Table and the nobility of Europe to Noel Coward, Lillian Hellman, Marlene Dietrich, Eleanor Roosevelt and Walter Winchell, this Bankhead is all quips, quirks and querulousness.

The New York Times

Since opposition to the MMR jab, though unsupported by any evidence beyond the anecdotal, has been sustained and encouraged by a host of figures - including the Mayor of London and Cherie Blair's guru, Carole Caplin, who are far more charismatic than anyone the world of epidemiology has to offer - this public resistance to hysteria is surely something to celebrate.

The Guardian

Featuring extensive interviews with Rooney himself, plus Coleen Rooney, Wayne's parents, David Beckham and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, along with a host of figures from the world of football, Rooney: The Man Behind The Goals offers an extraordinary personal portrait of life in Wayne's world.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hard-drinking, big-talking Billy Bones edges from the periphery toward center stage, as do a host of new figures.

The New York Times - Books

His rambunctious characters continue inside the hotel, with a host of bronze figures, from diminutive tourists to larger-than-life moguls.

The New York Times - Arts

There have been 14 different head coaches in the last decade alone with a host of others figures coming and going, on and off the pitch.

The Guardian - Sport

Around the Gafaar family crowd a host of Cairo figures drawn with Aswany's flair for genial, broad-brush characterisation: part-Dickens, part-EastEnders.

Independent

The leader of Rochdale borough council, Richard Farnell, was also among a host of prominent figures in the north of England to call on the government not to abandon the Northern Powerhouse project in the wake of the referendum result.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of figures" when you want to convey a large, often impressive, number of people or numerical values involved in a particular context, especially when highlighting their collective impact or presence.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of" with non-countable nouns. It's best suited for countable items or individuals, not abstract concepts. For instance, instead of "a host of information", use "a wealth of information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of figures" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun. It introduces a noun phrase, quantifying it in a manner suggesting a significant, and sometimes impressive, number. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of figures" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to describe a large number of people or things. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral register and serves to emphasize quantity or impact. While alternatives like "numerous individuals" or "many personalities" exist, the original phrase is particularly effective for conveying a sense of magnitude. When writing, ensure to use it with countable nouns to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Numerous individuals

Replaces "host" with "numerous", focusing solely on people.

A multitude of people

Emphasizes a large quantity of individuals.

Many personalities

Substitutes "figures" with "personalities", implying well-known or distinct people.

A collection of notables

Highlights that the individuals are noteworthy or famous.

Various characters

Replaces "figures" with "characters", suggesting roles or personas.

Several prominent leaders

Specifies the figures as leaders and uses "several" to imply more than a few.

A range of experts

Narrows the focus to figures with specialized knowledge.

A large number of icons

Suggests the figures are widely recognized and admired.

An array of public faces

Highlights the visibility and recognition of these people.

A group of key players

Emphasizes the importance and influence of the individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of figures" to describe a large number of people or things, such as "A host of figures attended the conference" or "The report included "a host of figures" demonstrating the company's growth".

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

Alternatives include "numerous individuals", "many personalities", or "a multitude of people", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a host of figures" to describe data?

Yes, "a host of figures" can be used to refer to numerical data, such as in the sentence, "The presentation included "a host of figures" to illustrate the economic trends".

What's the difference between "a host of figures" and "a number of people"?

"A host of figures" implies a large and possibly impressive gathering of individuals or data points, while "a number of people" is a more neutral way to indicate multiple individuals without necessarily emphasizing their quantity or importance.