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Prepositions with “host”

Of, with, to, by or from host?

Different prepositions with “host” express quantity, role, source, or relationship. Some combinations are fixed expressions.

Quick answer

Common patterns include “host of” and “hosted by”

Use “a host of” to mean “many.” Use “host to” for a place that contains or receives something. “Hosted by” names the organiser or presenter.

The city offers a host of attractions.
The museum is host to several events each year.
The show was hosted by a famous actor.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
a host of + plural noun

Meaning “many”

This fixed expression means a large number of things or people.

We faced a host of problems during the project.
The app includes a host of new features.
2
host to + event/group

Receiving or containing something

Use “host to” mainly for places or organisations.

The city is host to an international festival every summer.
The forest is host to rare wildlife.
3
hosted by + person/organisation

Naming the organiser or presenter

Use the passive form “hosted by” for events, shows, or websites.

The conference was hosted by the university.
The programme is hosted by two journalists.
4
from the host

Showing source or sender

Use “from” when something comes from a host.

We received a welcome message from the host.
The guests heard instructions from the host before dinner.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
host of
The report revealed a host of issues.
a large number of things
host to
The arena is host to several concerts.
serving as the place for something
with host
She stayed with her host family.
“with” usually belongs to another noun phrase, not a fixed pattern selected by “host”
hosted by
The event was hosted by local volunteers.
names the organiser or presenter
from the host
A gift arrived from the host.
shows origin or sender

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “host of” without an article

The fixed expression normally uses “a.”

✕ Host of people attended. ✓ A host of people attended.

Confusing “host to” and “host of”

“Host to” means receiving something. “Host of” means many.

✕ The city is a host of festivals. ✓ The city is host to festivals.

Using “with host” as a fixed expression

“With” is usually an ordinary adjunct, not a standard collocation with “host.”

✕ The venue is with host many events. ✓ The venue hosts many events.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The software offers a host ___ useful tools.
2. The stadium is host ___ the final match.
3. The ceremony was hosted ___ a local charity.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “a host of” mean?

It means a large number or wide variety of things.

Is “host to” correct?

Yes. It is standard for places or organisations that receive events, species, or activities.

Can I say “with host”?

Only when “with” has its own meaning in the sentence, such as “stay with a host family.” It is not a common fixed combination with “host.”

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