face a host of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face a host of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone encounters many challenges or obstacles. Example: "As the project progressed, the team began to face a host of difficulties that threatened their timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They face a host of difficulties and dangers living here, including malnutrition.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Despite the developed-market slump since 2007, almost no big car plants have been closed.Don't cry for me, Ford CortinaThat comfort will be short-lived, however, because even the healthier carmakers face a host of other difficulties.

The Economist

As prime minister, Jibril will face a host of problems.

The Guardian

Already, Americans face a host of economic woes.

Huffington Post

Pony Express riders faced a host of perils.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plant has also faced a host of technical problems.

The New York Times

DoCoMo, like its rivals, still faces a host of challenges.

The New York Times

The power sector faces a host of challenges, including inadequate power supply infrastructure that requires huge investment, over-reliance on hydro and gas, inadequate access to electricity, high cost of fuel for electricity generation, transmission and distribution losses, an inadequate regulatory capacity, enforcement, operational and management difficulties, and vulnerability to climate change.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

He faces a host of possible punishments, including termination. .

Huffington Post

She is shunned and faces a host of barriers.

Huffington Post

However, project implementation faced a host of complications (Table 2).

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face a host of difficulties", ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly defined, and the difficulties are either explicitly stated or readily understood from the context. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "face a host of difficulties" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler language might be more appropriate to prevent the phrase from sounding overly formal or stilted. For example, in a casual conversation, saying "run into some problems" may be better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a host of difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, where "face" is the verb and "a host of difficulties" serves as the direct object. This construction describes the act of encountering or confronting numerous problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face a host of difficulties" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes encountering numerous challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and is most commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler language may be more appropriate. Alternatives like "encounter numerous challenges" or "run into problems" can provide variations in tone and formality depending on the specific context. Understanding its register and communicative purpose ensures effective communication in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter numerous challenges

Changes the figurative language but retains the core meaning of facing multiple obstacles.

confront a multitude of problems

Replaces "difficulties" with "problems" and "host" with "multitude", slightly altering the tone.

grapple with various issues

Implies a more active and ongoing struggle against the difficulties.

contend with a range of obstacles

Similar to "grapple", suggesting a need to overcome the challenges.

be beset by a series of troubles

Indicates that the difficulties are surrounding and impacting the subject from multiple directions.

meet with diverse complications

Emphasizes the variety and complexity of the difficulties encountered.

experience a plethora of setbacks

Focuses on the negative consequences and hindrances caused by the difficulties.

run into several predicaments

Suggests unexpected or unforeseen difficulties.

navigate a complex web of issues

Highlights the interconnectedness and intricacy of the difficulties.

undergo a trial of tribulations

Presents the difficulties as a severe and testing experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "face a host of difficulties" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "encounter numerous challenges", "contend with a range of obstacles", or "grapple with various issues".

What are some simpler alternatives to "face a host of difficulties"?

In more casual contexts, you could say "run into problems", "have some trouble", or "encounter some issues".

Is it appropriate to use "face a host of difficulties" in academic writing?

Yes, "face a host of difficulties" is appropriate for academic writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe encountering multiple challenges. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and formality of your paper.

How does "face a host of difficulties" differ from "face some difficulties"?

"Face a host of difficulties" implies encountering a large number or a wide range of challenges, whereas "face some difficulties" suggests a smaller, less overwhelming set of problems. The former is more impactful when describing a particularly challenging situation.