a host of troubles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of troubles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of problems or difficulties someone is facing. Example: "After the storm, the town was left with a host of troubles, including damaged homes and downed power lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But a host of troubles lie ahead as well.

The New York Times

Fears over Sallie Mae's financial health have grown as the company confronts a host of troubles.

The New York Times

At the same time, the shares of firms that are big in Russia, such as Carlsberg and Renault, fell.The turmoil in Ukraine is one of a host of troubles that Western firms are facing in emerging markets.

The Economist

This saves a host of troubles over starting with the details of a leaf, and only finishing one branch of that tree in an hour.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rather, what drove him around the bend was the way the film ended: with the clear impression he was in a host of trouble.

The New York Times

Abortion is at the very center of a host of our troubles.

The New York Times

The company is quietly reconsidering its pledge as it confronts a host of financial troubles, according to Citigroup executives.

The New York Times

The tactics Microsoft used in the browser battle, of course, led to a host of antitrust troubles for the big software maker in the United States and Europe.

The New York Times - Tech

We live in an era when scientific solutions will be required to extricate our planet from a host of mounting troubles.

The Guardian

Mr Zhu's two-hour speech at the opening of the congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing listed a host of perennial troubles, from corruption to growing unemployment and "deep-seated problems" in the economy.

The Economist

But on Thursday, investors faced a host of economic troubles, including concern about international political tensions, dire straits at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and bleak reports on the prospects of Wall Street banks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of troubles", ensure the context clearly indicates what these troubles are, either by listing them directly or providing enough detail for the reader to understand the nature of the problems.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of troubles" without providing sufficient context. If you don't specify the nature of the troubles, the phrase becomes weak and lacks impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of troubles" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a determiner phrase. It acts as a subject complement or object, describing the state or condition of something or someone experiencing many difficulties. Ludwig confirms the common usage of this phrase to express a multitude of problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a host of troubles" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the presence of numerous difficulties. As Ludwig confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to provide sufficient context to specify the nature of these troubles, avoiding vague language that weakens the impact. Alternatives like "many problems" or "numerous difficulties" can be used for similar effect. Therefore, understanding both the grammatical function and the communicative purpose enhances your clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many problems

This alternative is a more straightforward and simpler way to express the same idea.

numerous difficulties

This alternative uses more formal language to convey the presence of many challenges.

a multitude of issues

This alternative conveys a large number of concerns or points of contention.

a series of problems

This alternative suggests that the problems are connected or occur in a sequence.

various challenges

This alternative highlights the difficulty and complexity of the situations faced.

plenty of setbacks

This alternative emphasizes the obstacles and delays experienced.

an array of complications

This alternative suggests a diverse and complex set of problems.

several predicaments

This alternative implies difficult or unpleasant situations that are hard to escape.

a range of adversities

This alternative focuses on the unfavorable conditions or misfortunes encountered.

myriad of difficulties

This alternative emphasizes the vast number and variety of the challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of troubles" to describe numerous problems or difficulties someone or something is facing. For example, "The company is facing "a host of troubles" due to the recent economic downturn."

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

Some alternatives include "many problems", "numerous difficulties", or "a multitude of issues". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a host of trouble" instead of "a host of troubles"?

No, it is generally more correct to use the plural form, "a host of troubles", as "host" implies a large number of things. While "trouble" can be uncountable, "troubles" emphasizes the multiple instances or types of problems.

What's the difference between "a host of troubles" and "a series of problems"?

"A host of troubles" implies a large quantity of problems, while "a series of problems" suggests that the problems are connected or follow a sequence. You might use "a series of problems" if the issues are linked causally or chronologically.