host of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"host of friends" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to a large group of people or when characterizing someone as having many friends. For example, "John had such a large host of friends that they filled the entire hall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Leaves a host of friends and relatives.

The New York Times

Also survived by a host of friends.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Calls came from a host of friends, and beyond.

The New York Times - Sports

His family and a host of friends will miss him dearly.

The New York Times

She is irreplaceable to her family and her host of friends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He was of a genial character in social relations, and made hosts of friends in every quarter.

University of California, Berkeley

Lloyd leaves behind his devoted friend Eddie; many cousins, especially Rhoda Goldberger and Stephen, Eugene, and Anthony Saletan; and a host of other friends.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, despite losing the game, had won a host of new friends.

The Guardian - Sport

three grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

The New York Times

He acquired three homes, a 36-foot yacht and a host of prominent friends and political connections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "host of friends" when you want to emphasize the large number of friends someone has, particularly in contexts where this abundance is relevant or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "host of friends" as a verb. The word 'host' here is a noun, meaning 'a large number'. It's incorrect to say something like 'He hosts many friends'. Instead, say 'He has a host of friends'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "host of friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes a quantity or collection of friends, emphasizing the abundance or large number of them. As Ludwig AI reports, this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "host of friends" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has many friends. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the implied emphasis on quantity rather than the depth of those friendships. Alternatives include "many friends", "a large circle of friends", and "numerous friends", each offering a slightly different nuance. The key is to use "host of friends" when the sheer number of friends is a relevant detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many friends

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the quantity of friends.

a multitude of friends

Similar to "host of friends" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on a very large number.

a great number of friends

Emphasizes the considerable quantity of friends.

numerous friends

A more formal way to indicate a high number of friends.

a large circle of friends

Highlights the idea of a group or community of friends.

abundance of friends

Emphasizes the plentiful supply of friends.

a wide network of friends

Suggests connections and relationships across different areas.

wealth of friends

Suggests a rich and valuable collection of friends.

large social circle

Similar to "circle of friends" but broader, including less intimate relationships.

extensive acquaintances

Focuses on a broader range of people known, not necessarily close friends.

FAQs

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

You can use "host of friends" to describe someone who has many friends, such as: "She leaves behind a "host of friends" and family who will miss her dearly."

What's a more formal alternative to "host of friends"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a multitude of friends" or "numerous friends". These options convey a similar meaning while maintaining a more elevated style.

Is it correct to say "a host of friend" instead of "a host of friends"?

No, it's not correct. The phrase is "a host of friends", with the plural noun "friends". The word "host" implies a large number, so it must be followed by a plural noun.

What's the difference between "a circle of friends" and "a host of friends"?

"A circle of friends" implies a close-knit group, while "a "host of friends"" simply refers to a large number of friends, without necessarily implying closeness.