a vast surplus of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast surplus of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an abundance or excess of something, often in economic or resource-related contexts. Example: "The country has a vast surplus of agricultural products, allowing it to export food to other nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There's a vast surplus of you lot.

The Guardian

Yet there was already a vast surplus of workers, because of a bulge in the working-age population.

The Economist

As a result, there is a vast surplus of permits — about 800 million tons' worth, according to Point Carbon.

The New York Times

Bred for biomedical research, they are now unemployed, a result of a vast surplus of laboratory chimpanzees.

The New York Times - Science

Ironically, Oklahoma's troubles today are rooted not in scarcity or crop failure, as in the 1930's, but in a vast surplus of most of what the state produces.

The New York Times

At the rate these technologies are improving, we may well be heading toward a time when most jobs can be done by machines of various kinds – where humanity's output is collectively vast but where there's also a vast surplus of labor and, for many, no prospect of employment that pays enough to afford the bounty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

receive a vast surplus; & consequently be enriched by draining the former of its wealth.

University of Chicago

In addition, the vast surplus of higher-enriched fuel Iran was to get under the deal would have permitted some to be diverted to its bomb program.

The New York Times

It has a vast pool of surplus labour in the countryside, and masses of capital thanks to unusually high domestic saving and inward foreign direct investment.

The Economist

The U.S. Robotics deal made 3Com the world's largest producer of modems, but the acquisition also left the company with a vast amount of surplus product already in the hands of distributors and dealers.

The New York Times

In a literal sense, he got his wish: although the progressive-rock boom was effectively over by the end of the seventies, it left behind a vast quantity of surplus LPs, which filled the bins in used-record stores for decades.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast surplus of", ensure the context clearly defines what the surplus consists of to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a vast surplus of wheat" rather than just "a vast surplus".

Common error

Avoid using "a vast surplus of" to describe something small or insignificant. The term implies a truly substantial overage, so ensure the scale of the surplus matches the descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast surplus of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It qualifies a noun by describing its quantity as excessively large. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize abundance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast surplus of" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to indicate a substantial excess of something. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is appropriate for use in writing. It finds common application in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using the expression, remember to consider the scale of the thing described and ensure that it truly qualifies as "vast". Alternatives such as "a significant excess of" or "an abundance of" may suit different situations. Keep in mind that while frequently observed in news, its use in encyclopedias, formal business documents, or wikis is less common. It's important to clearly define what the surplus consists of to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant excess of

Replaces "vast" with "significant" and "surplus" with "excess", slightly altering the emphasis on quantity.

a large quantity of extra

Uses more common words to express the same concept, reducing the formality.

an abundance of

A more concise alternative, focusing on the plentiful nature of something.

a considerable oversupply of

Replaces "surplus" with "oversupply", highlighting the supply exceeding the demand.

a plentiful reserve of

Emphasizes the availability and storage of the excess.

a huge store of

Suggests a large amount accumulated or stored.

an immense accumulation of

Highlights the gradual gathering of a large quantity.

a massive stockpile of

Implies a deliberate collection of a large amount for future use.

a glut of

Indicates an excessive supply, often leading to lower prices or problems.

more than enough

A simpler, more general way to express having too much of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast surplus of" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast surplus of" to describe an overabundance of something. For example: "The country is experiencing "a vast surplus of" grain this year due to favorable weather conditions".

What can I say instead of "a vast surplus of"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant excess of", "an abundance of", or "a considerable oversupply of" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a vast surplus of resources" or "a large number of resources"?

Both are correct, but they imply different things. "A vast surplus of resources" suggests an overabundance, while "a large number of resources" simply indicates a high quantity without necessarily implying excess.

What's the difference between "a vast surplus of" and "a slight surplus of"?

"A vast surplus of" indicates a very large oversupply, while "a slight surplus of" suggests only a small amount more than what is needed. The adjective indicates the magnitude of the surplus.