host of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "host of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of challenges or problems that one may face in a particular situation. Example: "The project was delayed due to a host of difficulties, including budget constraints and staffing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Conference calls present a whole host of difficulties.

Harvard Business Review

In his first year as leader of independent Slovakia, Mečiar faced a host of difficulties.

Britannica

Although this could occur through purchases of asset-backed securities, there are a host of difficulties in turning this idea into practice.

The Economist

If, as has often been claimed largely because of Boswell's biography we know Johnson as we know few other people in history (or few other characters in literature), we know him primarily as a man who overcame a host of difficulties to become the leading scholar and writer of his age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What I see is that chronic Lyme disease or late-stage Lyme disease has been adopted as an inappropriate label by some non-mainstream clinicians for a host of difficulties such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain disorders, or mental fogginess.

Johns Hopkins University

As noted above, Peircian pragmatism had led the logical positivists into a debate over the nature of the verifiability theory of meaning and the host of difficulties which developed in the clarification of that theory.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is a strong risk factor for suicide and is associated with a host of psychological difficulties and disorders which include, but are not limited to: mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, difficulties with negative affect (e.g., anxiety, frustration), hopelessness, self-criticism, poor body image, and low self-esteem [ 2, 3].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In the past we have argued against earmarking taxes in this way: it raises a host of budgetary difficulties.

The Economist

Ove Gudmestad, professor of marine and Arctic technology at the University of Stavanger in Norway, also raises a host of potential difficulties, notably the suitability of existing oilfield equipment, oil and gas price uncertainty and troubled relations with local people in the Arctic.

The Guardian

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

There are unmet expectations, unscrupulous recruiters and employers, lack of capacity in some countries to provide needed protections, and a host of other difficulties.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "host of difficulties", ensure the context clearly defines what these difficulties are, either explicitly or implicitly, to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "host of difficulties" without specifying the nature of these difficulties. Provide context or examples to prevent ambiguity and enhance comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "host of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies and quantifies a multitude of problems or challenges encountered in a particular situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "host of difficulties" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a large number of problems or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives such as "array of challenges" or "multitude of problems" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the nature of these difficulties to prevent vagueness and enhance comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

array of challenges

Replaces "host of difficulties" with a more neutral term, focusing on challenges rather than problems.

multitude of problems

Emphasizes the numerous nature of the problems.

range of issues

Offers a broader scope, encompassing various issues beyond mere difficulties.

series of setbacks

Focuses specifically on events that cause delays or reversals.

litany of obstacles

Implies a longer, more burdensome list of obstacles.

plethora of complications

Suggests a situation that is intricate and complex.

cluster of snags

Presents a more informal and less severe sense of difficulties.

barrage of troubles

Highlights the intensity and overwhelming nature of the troubles.

mountain of hurdles

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the significant challenge.

sea of impediments

Conveys the sense of being surrounded and overwhelmed by obstacles.

FAQs

What does "host of difficulties" mean?

The phrase "host of difficulties" refers to a large number or collection of problems or challenges. It is used to express that someone or something is facing many issues.

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

You can use "host of difficulties" to describe situations where numerous problems arise, such as "The project encountered a "host of difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "host of difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like an "array of challenges", a "multitude of problems", or a "range of issues" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to list specific difficulties instead of using "host of difficulties"?

Listing specific difficulties can provide greater clarity and impact, but using "host of difficulties" can be effective when you want to convey the overall scale of the problems without going into exhaustive detail. For example you could say "litany of obstacles" to save a long enumeration.