a vast host of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast host of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of people or things, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "The night sky was filled with a vast host of stars, twinkling brightly against the darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Late in 405 Italy was menaced by new invaders, a vast host of Germans, mainly Ostrogoths, led by a pagan called Radagaisus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They largely spread their money around a vast host of investments and ventures.

Forbes

In fact, in addition to this study, a vast host of relative studies show that students are not naturally ready for e-learning.

Smart Learning Environments

A survey of the incorporation of IT into education in any academic database will reveal a vast host of papers covering nearly all fields of study.

Smart Learning Environments

As a matter of fact, college students' obsession with smart phones have aroused so many educators' concern that a casual survey of any comprehensive database will show a vast host of papers on this topic.

Smart Learning Environments

It meant something to me to know that my novels were brightening the lives of a vast host of people in those dim dark days of 30-plus years ago when puritanism was riding high and sex was in chains.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The mechanisms by which MYC elicits the vast host of biological responses for which it appears to be responsible are not yet fully understood.

BMC Genomics

His aura earned him vast hosts of fans and the role of high priest and soothsayer that he always believed was his birthright.

The New York Times - Books

It is not surprising to find nicotianae on other crops, since it is able to colonize and reproduce on various herbaceous hosts within the vast host range of M. persicae s.l.l

BMC Ecology

Density-dependent transmission (Dietz 1988; McCallum et al. 2001) has been shown to be responsible for pathogen dynamics in a vast range of host species (see for example, Burdon and Chilvers 1982; Jaffee et al. 1992; Ebert et al. 2000; Hochachka and Dhondt 2000).

Evolutionary Applications

Moreover, the diversity of identified proteins suggests a vast complexity of host-virus interplay.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast host of" when you want to emphasize a large, often impressive number or gathering of something, creating a sense of scale or abundance. It works well in both formal and creative writing to add impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast host of" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "many" or "a lot of" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or verbose. Consider the tone and context of your writing to determine if a more straightforward expression would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a vast host of" is to act as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a large quantity or multitude. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is commonly used to describe collections of things or people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast host of" is a determiner phrase used to indicate a large quantity or multitude of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, though it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. It's primarily found in News & Media and Science sources and has several alternatives like "a great number of" and "a multitude of" for varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great number of

Emphasizes the quantity being large, similar to "a vast host of" but less dramatic.

a multitude of

Highlights the variety and numerousness, providing a slightly more diverse feel.

a large quantity of

Focuses on the amount rather than the individual components of the group.

a huge amount of

Implies a very large amount, but it is usually used with uncountable objects

a considerable quantity of

Stresses the significance and size, suitable for formal contexts.

an abundance of

Highlights the plentifulness and richness of what is being described.

a plethora of

Emphasizes an overabundance or excessive amount, adding a more descriptive tone.

a large collection of

Implies a gathering or accumulation, suggesting a deliberate assortment.

a sea of

Creates a visual image of an expansive, overwhelming quantity.

a swarm of

Suggests a densely packed, active group, usually used for insects or people.

FAQs

What does "a vast host of" mean?

The phrase "a vast host of" refers to a very large number or quantity of something, often implying a multitude or abundance.

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

You can use alternatives like "a great number of", "a multitude of", or "an abundance of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast host of" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "a vast host of" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a sense of scale and magnitude in a sophisticated manner. However, be mindful of overuse.

How does "a vast host of" differ from "a large number of"?

While both phrases indicate a large quantity, "a vast host of" carries a stronger sense of immensity and can often be used to evoke a more dramatic or impressive image, while "a large number of" is more neutral.