a host of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of friends or acquaintances someone has. Example: "At the party, she was surrounded by a host of friends, all eager to celebrate her birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Leaves a host of friends and relatives.

The New York Times

Also survived by a host of friends.

The New York Times

Calls came from a host of friends, and beyond.

The New York Times - Sports

His family and a host of friends will miss him dearly.

The New York Times

He can turn to a host of friends and allies around the N.F.L., and around the country.

The New York Times - Sports

We share a host of friends who have died and whom we welcome back into our lives by naming them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Lloyd leaves behind his devoted friend Eddie; many cousins, especially Rhoda Goldberger and Stephen, Eugene, and Anthony Saletan; and a host of other friends.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, despite losing the game, had won a host of new friends.

The Guardian - Sport

three grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

The New York Times

He acquired three homes, a 36-foot yacht and a host of prominent friends and political connections.

The New York Times

Laurie is survived by her brother Robert, her longtime companion, Murphy, and a host of beloved friends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a host of friends" to emphasize the large number of friends someone has, often in situations where this abundance is relevant or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of" with singular nouns. "Host" implies a multitude, so it should only be used with plural nouns, as in "a host of problems", not "a host of problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in obituaries, news articles, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a host of friends" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone with many friends. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While synonyms like "many friends" or "a multitude of friends" exist, "a host of friends" emphasizes the abundance and positive social connections. When using this phrase, remember to pair it with a plural noun and consider the formality of your writing to ensure it fits the overall tone. Be mindful to use the phrase in contexts where the number of friends is relevant to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of friends

Substitutes "host" with "multitude", providing a synonym that also emphasizes a large number.

many friends

Replaces "a host of" with a simpler quantifier, reducing the emphasis on the large quantity.

a large circle of friends

Emphasizes the social aspect and connection among the friends, rather than just the quantity.

numerous friends

A more concise synonym for "many friends", still indicating a significant quantity.

a great number of friends

Replaces "host" with "great number", a more literal and less idiomatic expression.

a wide array of friends

Highlights the variety and diversity within the group of friends.

an abundance of friends

Focuses on the plentiful and rich nature of the friendship network.

a throng of friends

Suggests a closely packed and lively group of friends, emphasizing their presence and energy.

a bevy of friends

Implies a charming or delightful group of friends, often used in a lighthearted context.

a galaxy of friends

A more metaphorical way to suggest an impressive and vast collection of friends.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of friends" to describe someone who has many friends. For example, "She was surrounded by "a host of friends" at her party."

What's a more formal way to say "a host of friends"?

A more formal way to say "a host of friends" could be "a multitude of friends" or "a large circle of friends". These alternatives, like "a multitude of friends", convey a similar meaning in a more elevated style.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a host of friends"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and the context. In very formal writing, you might opt for a more neutral phrase like "many friends" or "numerous friends" instead of "numerous friends".

What are some other phrases that mean "a lot of friends"?

Other phrases include "many friends", "a large circle of friends", and "numerous acquaintances". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey such as "a large circle of friends".