a host of obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Obama found a host of obstacles to closing the prison, including addressing the fate of detainees and congressional resistance.

The Guardian

But the urban jungle presents a host of obstacles and dangers, including tall glass buildings, cars, pollution and people.

The New York Times

And despite a host of obstacles, including the skepticism of many established scientists, their ideas are gaining traction.

The New York Times - Science

The provider, which sells radio-frequency identification, wireless networking, and other products and services for real-time collaboration across dispersed systems and staffs, encountered a host of obstacles.

Harvard Business Review

Optimistic as Ms. Wright is, she acknowledges that Islamic change agents face a host of obstacles and uncertainties in the years to come.

The New York Times - Books

A8 Niger Uranium Sale Unlikely A high-level intelligence assessment by the Bush administration concluded in early 2002 that the sale of uranium from Niger to Iraq was "unlikely" because of a host of obstacles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The correspondents club detailed a host of visa obstacles faced by foreign media.

The Washington Post

Developers face a host of further obstacles, from long approval periods to fees that raise money for parks, infrastructure and education.

The Economist

He will immediately confront a host of institutional obstacles that could impede his progress in rebuilding an archdiocese shattered by last year's disclosures that its leaders had permitted a generation of sexually abusive priests to molest young people.

The New York Times

But FIFPro does play a considerable role in advocating for players' rights, and a shift of date in 2022 would raise a host of potential obstacles that van Seggelen said he believed FIFA's president, Sepp Blatter, and the rest of the executive committee had to take into account.

The New York Times - Sports

Founders of authentically mobile app start-ups -- and intrapreneurs working on mobile projects -- will have to overcome corporate inertia, worries about security and a host of other obstacles.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of obstacles", be specific about the nature of these obstacles to provide clarity and context for your audience. For example, "The project faced a host of obstacles, including funding shortages and logistical issues."

Common error

While "a host of obstacles" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a multitude of challenges" or "numerous impediments" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of obstacles" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It identifies a collection of difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of obstacles" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a large number of difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources. While it is a useful expression, it's important to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "a multitude of difficulties" or "numerous impediments" for variety. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts and has a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of difficulties

Replaces "host" with "multitude", emphasizing a large number of difficulties.

a myriad of challenges

Substitutes "obstacles" with "challenges" and "host" with "myriad", highlighting a diverse range of difficulties.

a series of hurdles

Replaces "obstacles" with "hurdles", focusing on sequential difficulties to overcome.

numerous impediments

Uses more formal vocabulary, with "impediments" replacing "obstacles" and "numerous" substituting "a host of".

significant barriers

Focuses on the obstructive nature of the difficulties, framing them as barriers to progress.

various setbacks

Focuses on the frustrating aspect of obstacles causing delays or reversals.

a range of complications

Highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of the difficulties.

many stumbling blocks

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the obstacles, using a metaphorical expression.

several snags

Uses a more informal term, "snags", for unexpected and minor difficulties.

a number of problems

A more general alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of obstacles" to describe numerous challenges or difficulties. For example, "The company overcame "a host of obstacles" to achieve its goals."

What can I say instead of "a host of obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of difficulties", "numerous impediments", or "various setbacks" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a host of challenges" or "a host of obstacles"?

Both "a host of challenges" and "a host of obstacles" are valid. "Challenges" suggests opportunities for growth, while "obstacles" implies hindrances. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.

What does "a host of obstacles" mean?

"A host of obstacles" means a large number of difficulties, challenges, or hindrances that stand in the way of achieving a goal or objective. It implies that there are many issues to overcome.