an inordinate quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inordinate quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or disproportionate amount of something. Example: "The project was delayed due to an inordinate quantity of paperwork that needed to be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Intrigued by the Powerball drawing of March 30 , 2005 which produced an inordinate quantity of winning lottery tickets because the lucky numbers had turned up in fortune cookies all around the country, Lee rides her obsession on a three-year, 42-state, 23-country journey during which she discovers that fortune cookies, like so much about America's Chinese restaurants, aren't really Chinese.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nicholas Barber of The Independent gave a positive review, complimenting Gordon for not allowing the actors' improvisation to be detrimental to the pacing, but felt the movie was not as "dark" as its premise required, saying "what edginess the film does have comes instead from the inordinate quantity of swearing, plus a smattering of homophobia and misogyny".

Wikipedia

THE NEW YORKER: Everyone's having an inordinate amount of fun.

The New Yorker

People are under an inordinate amount of stress.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is an inordinate amount of vacant land.

The New York Times - Arts

The Lakers showcase an inordinate amount of depth.

The New York Times

Our customers give us an inordinate amount of data.

The Guardian - Business

They also cause an inordinate amount of brain freeze.

The New Yorker

The kitchen has an inordinate amount of fun with dessert.

The New York Times

"He spent an inordinate amount of time with attorneys.

The New York Times

As a consequence, the large landowning families exercised an inordinate amount of economic and political power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inordinate quantity of" when you want to emphasize that the amount is not just large, but surprisingly or inappropriately so. Consider if a simpler phrase like "too much" might be more effective.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "an inordinate quantity of" can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for a more natural phrasing like "too much" or "a lot of" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inordinate quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It signifies a surprisingly large or excessive amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inordinate quantity of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a surprisingly large or disproportionate amount of something. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and leans towards a neutral to formal register. While acceptable, consider if a simpler phrase might be more appropriate depending on the context. Related phrases include "an excessive amount of" and "a disproportionate amount of". When employing this phrase, ensure you're aiming to convey not just largeness, but a surprising or inappropriate excess.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excessive amount of

Focuses on the excessiveness of the quantity, similar to "an inordinate quantity of".

a disproportionate amount of

Highlights the imbalance or lack of proportion in the quantity.

an undue quantity of

Indicates that the quantity is inappropriate or unwarranted.

a surplus of

Suggests that there is more than is needed or expected.

an overabundance of

Emphasizes the plentiful and excessive nature of the quantity.

a plethora of

Implies a large and often overwhelming quantity.

an embarrassment of riches

Suggests an almost overwhelming abundance of something desirable.

a wealth of

Indicates a large and impressive quantity, often of something positive.

too much of

A simpler and more direct way of expressing that the quantity is excessive.

a great deal of

A more general way of saying a large quantity, without necessarily implying that it is excessive.

FAQs

How can I use "an inordinate quantity of" in a sentence?

Use "an inordinate quantity of" to describe an amount that is excessive or disproportionate. For example, "The project was delayed due to "an inordinate quantity of" paperwork".

What are some alternatives to "an inordinate quantity of"?

Alternatives include "an excessive amount of", "a disproportionate amount of", or simply "too much". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

Is "an inordinate quantity of" formal or informal?

"An inordinate quantity of" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "a lot of" or "too much" may be more appropriate.

What does "inordinate" mean in the phrase "an inordinate quantity of"?

In this context, "inordinate" means exceeding reasonable limits; excessive. It emphasizes that the quantity is not just large, but also surprisingly or inappropriately so.