an excessive amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excessive amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is more than what is considered reasonable or necessary. Example: "The project was delayed due to an excessive amount of paperwork that needed to be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An oncocyte is an epithelial cell characterized by an excessive amount of mitochondria.

Disease Markers

It was, said Angie, "an excessive amount of money.

The Guardian

"I think that's an excessive amount," Mr. Pindell said.

The New York Times

The mentor role needn't take an excessive amount of time.

Harvard Business Review

He had lost an excessive amount of blood.

The New York Times

But if they need an excessive amount, they won't develop.

The New York Times

"I have an excessive amount of energy and stamina and determination".

The New York Times

Surely this is an excessive amount of money to spend on this project.

The New York Times

Jogger 2: But not, like, an excessive amount that feels like a burden.

The New Yorker

There isn't an excessive amount of buttercream on these cakes – just enough to cap each one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To be safe, just say it is an excessive amount of money, especially in this economy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an excessive amount", consider the context. Is the excess causing a problem? If so, specify the negative consequences for greater impact.

Common error

While acceptable, "an excessive amount" can sound less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "a surplus" or "an overabundance" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excessive amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is more than necessary or desirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excessive amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a quantity surpassing what's deemed necessary or reasonable. While versatile across contexts like News & Media, Science and Wiki, as shown in Ludwig's examples, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives such as "a surplus quantity" or "an overabundance" in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Remember that while expressing quantity, the implication of "excessive" often suggests negative consequences or inefficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inordinate quantity

Emphasizes a deviation from the norm or what is considered proper.

a disproportionate measure

Highlights the imbalance or lack of proper proportion in the quantity.

a surplus quantity

Focuses on the overabundance or extra amount available.

an overabundance

Directly indicates a state of having too much of something.

an unreasonable quantity

Stresses the lack of justification or fairness in the amount.

a glut of

Implies an excessive supply, often leading to lower value or problems.

too much

A simpler, more direct way of expressing that the quantity is beyond what is needed or desired.

a plethora of

Suggests a large and often excessive number or variety.

an excess of

A more formal way to indicate that there is more than what is required or allowed.

an extravagant quantity

Suggests that the amount is excessive and wasteful.

FAQs

How to use "an excessive amount" in a sentence?

You can use "an excessive amount" to describe something that is more than necessary, desirable, or reasonable. For example, "The project failed due to "an excessive amount" of bureaucracy".

What can I say instead of "an excessive amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a surplus quantity", "an overabundance", or "too much" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "an excessive amount of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, consider more formal alternatives such as "an inordinate quantity" or "a disproportionate measure" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "an excessive amount" and "an extensive amount"?

"An excessive amount" implies that there is more than is necessary or desirable, often with negative connotations. "An extensive amount" simply means that there is a large quantity, without necessarily implying a negative effect.