host of explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "host of explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large number of different explanations or reasons for something. Example: "The scientist provided a host of explanations for the unexpected results of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Despite a host of explanations, some heard more clearly than others without the help of surtitles, I emerged no wiser as to the solution.

The Guardian

Team members and other experts have proposed a host of explanations for the whale sounds, among them that the animal is malformed or, most likely, a hybrid of a blue whale and another species.

The New York Times

As for the thunderbolts and earthquakes, they are of course, among the many natural physical phenomena for which Lucretius gives a host of explanations in his fifth and sixth books; none of those explanations, of course, involve the gods.

The Guardian - Opinion

Team members and other experts have proposed a host of explanations for the whale sounds, among them that the animal is malformed or, most likely, is a hybrid of a blue whale and another species.

The New York Times - Science

In a blog post, Tapity founder Jeremy Olson offers a host of explanations for "Buffalo Wings," including, well yeah, it might make them a little money thanks to its in-app ads.

TechCrunch

A study in 2009 of seven mitochondrial genes (mtDNA) and three nuclear genes grouped fork-marked lemurs with sportive lemurs (family Lepilemuridae), offering a host of explanations, such as a possible hybridization (introgression) following the initial split between the families.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As to the question of the underlying causes of violence against women, there's suggestive research which points to an increasingly skewed sex ratio — that is, more men than women, which is due in part to sex-selective abortion and in part to higher mortality of women in later life — as being one possible explanation among a host of candidate explanations.

The New York Times

Its "host of benign" explanations for why some shares were allocated retrospectively, giving executives a risk-free gain, seems thin.

The Economist

In their effort to decipher the essence of Confederate defeat, historians have pointed to the slaveholding republic's lack of military and industrial resources, a stubborn devotion to state rights principles, inept political leadership, and the inability to foster a real sense of nationalism among the nation's populace, along with a host of other explanations.

Johns Hopkins University

There are a host of reasons and explanations put forward by experts.

BBC

Furthermore, in most cases the communities evolve through a blend of models, with a host of ad hoc explanations.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "host of explanations", ensure the context clearly implies multiple and varied reasons, not just a single, complex one. It is best suited when presenting several distinct justifications or causes.

Common error

While "host of explanations" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "numerous explanations" or "various reasons" might lend a more professional tone in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "host of explanations" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a large number of reasons or justifications for something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "host of explanations" is a phrase used to indicate a large number of reasons or justifications for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose more precise alternatives like "numerous explanations" or "various reasons" for highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "many explanations", "various explanations", or "multiple explanations" can provide clarity and nuance depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many explanations

This alternative provides a more direct and concise way to convey a large number of explanations, removing the figurative language.

numerous explanations

This substitutes "host" with "numerous", maintaining the emphasis on a large quantity of explanations while sounding slightly more formal.

various explanations

This alternative uses "various" to suggest a range of different explanations, highlighting the diversity rather than just the quantity.

multiple explanations

This uses "multiple" for a straightforward indication of more than one explanation, being less emphatic than "host of".

a plethora of explanations

This alternative uses "plethora" to emphasize an abundance of explanations, adding a touch of sophistication.

abundance of explanations

Changes "host" to "abundance" maintaining the idea of a large quantity, but focuses on the plentiful nature of the explanations.

wide range of explanations

This emphasizes the diversity and scope of the explanations rather than just the quantity.

great number of explanations

This replaces "host" with "great number", providing a more literal and less idiomatic expression of quantity.

profusion of explanations

This uses "profusion" to denote a lavish or extravagant supply of explanations, suitable for contexts where the abundance is striking.

mountain of explanations

Replaces "host" with "mountain", creating a more vivid image of a large and overwhelming number of explanations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "host of explanations" for clarity?

To improve clarity, consider alternatives such as "many explanations", "several reasons", or "various justifications". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "host of explanations" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "host of explanations" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "numerous explanations" or "multiple reasons" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "host of explanations" and "a range of explanations"?

"Host of explanations" emphasizes the quantity of explanations, while "a "range of explanations"" highlights their variety and scope. Choose the phrase that best reflects the aspect you want to emphasize.

Can I use "host of explanations" when there are only two explanations?

While grammatically possible, using "host of explanations" for just two explanations might be misleading. The phrase implies a larger number, so alternatives like "two explanations" or "couple of reasons" would be more accurate.