a host of variables

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a host of variables" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large number of different factors or elements that can influence a situation or outcome. Example: "In this experiment, we need to consider a host of variables that could affect the results, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Turkeys are problematical to raise — susceptible to disease, cold and a host of variables that seem to crop up during their four-month lives.

The New York Times

These effects remained significant following adjustment for a host of variables likely to be associated with reactivity and/or smoking.

International Journal of Psychophysiology

Whether it will eventually push Bicknell's out of its old habitat may depend on a host of variables from nesting behavior to food preferences.

Yale University

The impact of pornography is also complicated by a host of variables including the type of material being viewed, the amount of exposure and the individual characteristics of the viewer.

The Guardian

Marketers instead rely on a host of variables, chief among them an event's popularity with television viewers and, as important, an athlete's conduct in and out of the arena.

The New York Times - Style

Since 1996, the national and state parties have been compiling a computerized database that allows officials to identify targeted voters by a host of variables, including demographic and economic data, party affiliation, consumer preferences, religion, education and likelihood to vote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A host of variable (e.g., the extractant concentration, hydrochloric acid concentration, nitric acid concentration, TX-114 mass fraction, TX-114 volume and sodium chloride concentration) were evaluated and optimized to investigate the extraction behavior.

Chemical Engineering Journal

In addition to collecting common variables, such as patient physiology and wounding characteristics, they have collected a host of prehospital variables, including environmental conditions, physical presentation of the patient at the scene, and emergency medical services prehospital care.

Critical Care

Although the child and psychosocial variables we examined accounted for substantial proportions of variance in the models, a host of other variables exist that could impact parent and family well-being.

BMC Pediatrics

By virtue of his passing grade on the previous two hurricanes and a host of other variables, it's possible Trump doesn't quite grasp that yet.

The Washington Post

That's because pollution concentration levels vary significantly depending on weather patterns, time of day, geography, sun exposure, interactions between airborne chemicals, and a host of other variables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a host of variables", ensure that the context clearly indicates what these variables are or their general nature. This provides clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a host of variables" as a placeholder for actual analysis. Always strive to identify at least some of the key variables influencing the situation to provide more meaningful insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a host of variables" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a large number of factors that can influence a situation. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a host of variables" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a multitude of factors influencing a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While generally appropriate for formal and informal settings, ensure you provide sufficient context for clarity. Alternatives include "a multitude of factors" or "numerous influencing factors". Remember, avoid vagueness by specifying key variables whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of factors

Replaces "host" with "multitude" and "variables" with "factors", emphasizing numerous influencing elements.

a wide array of factors

Substitutes "host" with "wide array", focusing on the diverse range of influencing elements.

numerous influencing factors

Replaces "host" with "numerous" and restructures the sentence.

a number of considerations

Emphasizes the act of considering various influencing elements.

a range of elements

Uses "range" instead of "host" and "elements" instead of "variables", simplifying the expression.

several contributing factors

Focuses on the contribution of each factor.

multiple determinants

Replaces "variables" with "determinants", indicating elements that decisively affect an outcome.

various aspects

Uses a more general term, "aspects", instead of "variables".

a complex web of influences

Implies interconnected and complicated influencing elements.

many different components

Highlights the different parts that constitute the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "a host of variables" to indicate that many different factors influence a particular situation. For example, "The success of the project depends on "a host of variables", including funding, resources, and team expertise."

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

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of factors", "numerous influencing factors", or "various aspects" depending on the context.

Is it better to list the variables instead of saying "a host of variables"?

Listing the variables provides more clarity and detail, but using "a host of variables" is appropriate when you want to acknowledge the complexity of the situation without specifying every single factor.

Can "a host of variables" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a host of variables" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the context and level of detail are appropriate for your audience. More specific language might be needed depending on the context.