a whole host of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole host of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large number or variety of people or things. For example, "He had a whole host of troubles to deal with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a whole host of strategies".

The New York Times

There were a whole host of things.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a whole host of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are a whole host of non starters though.

The Guardian - Sport

Trent is another, along with a whole host of us.

The Guardian - Sport

A whole host of technologies being developed are consumer-facing.

The Guardian

There are a whole host of new challenges".

The New York Times

"But that begs a whole host of questions.

The New York Times

This case raises a whole host of questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would help resolve a whole host of problems.

The New York Times

"I don't have a whole host of friends," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whole host of" to add emphasis when you want to convey that there are not just many, but a great variety or large number of something.

Common error

Avoid using "a whole host of" when referring to a small or insignificant number. It's best reserved for situations where the quantity or variety is genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole host of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity or variety. It emphasizes that there are many instances of the noun being described, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole host of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a large quantity or wide variety of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially within News & Media. When writing, ensure the scale of what you're describing warrants the emphasis this phrase provides. Alternatives like "a large number of" or "numerous" can be used depending on the desired nuance and formality. Be mindful of overuse, and reserve "a whole host of" for situations where the quantity or variety is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large number of

This alternative is more direct and less idiomatic, focusing on the quantity.

a great deal of

This alternative suggests a significant amount, suitable for uncountable nouns.

a wide range of

This alternative emphasizes variety and diversity rather than sheer quantity.

a multitude of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the numerous nature of something.

an abundance of

This alternative suggests a plentiful supply or a rich quantity.

a plethora of

This alternative is a more sophisticated way of saying many, often used in formal contexts.

numerous

This alternative is concise and emphasizes that something exists in great quantity.

various

This alternative highlights diversity and that things are of different kinds.

assorted

This alternative suggests a collection of different things.

several

This alternative indicates more than a few, but less than many.

FAQs

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

You can use "a whole host of" to describe a large number or variety of something. For example, "The project presented "a whole host of" challenges."

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

Some alternatives include "a large number of", "a wide range of", or "numerous", depending on the context.

Is "a whole host of" formal or informal?

"A whole host of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives might be more appropriate for very formal writing.

Is it correct to say "an whole host of" instead of "a whole host of"?

No, the correct form is "a whole host of". The indefinite article "a" is used because "host" starts with a consonant sound.