excessive quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an amount that is more than what is necessary or reasonable in a given context. Example: "The excessive quantity of sugar in the recipe made the cake overly sweet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

So I'll be making some trifles in the morning in an attempt to distract myself from the excessive quantity of chocolate that will be hidden around the house.

Independent

If the flow of dollars into Switzerland were to assume massive proportions in the coming days, it could pose a problem for the Swiss authorities, which are under domestic pressure not to hold an excessive quantity of dollars in their official reserves.

The New York Times

However, an excessive quantity of rutile nanorods created an obstacle to the electrons moving in the TiO2 thin film.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Besides contributing to the reduction process, this information reinforces the assumption that the full version of MIA has an excessive quantity of items.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Excessive quantity of nitrogen source prolongs the growth phase and the cultures can become oxygen limited which can prove to be detrimental to the secondary metabolite production.

AMB Express

There is increasing awareness that solutions to degraded quality and excessive quantity of stormwater and resulting impacts on downstream water bodies may require a watershed approach to management rather that the incremental approach that is now common.

Ecological Modelling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pheochromocytomas secrete excessive quantities of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Excessive quantities of some nutrients may cause decrease in yield, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain plants, in addition, secrete or exude resins, sap, and other substances that accumulate in excessive quantities within the plant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Salt preserves the meat but in excessive quantities impairs the flavour and makes the lean muscles undesirably hard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several bottles of prescription medications were found in her hotel room, but coroner's officials said they were not in excessive quantities.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excessive quantity", consider whether a more specific term might be appropriate. For instance, instead of "excessive quantity of water", you might say "flood" or "deluge" for stronger imagery.

Common error

While "excessive quantity" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Vary your language by using synonyms like "surplus" or "overabundance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive quantity" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "quantity". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It generally specifies that an amount is more than what is needed or appropriate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excessive quantity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes an amount exceeding what is necessary or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various examples from reputable sources. While generally appropriate, consider more specific terms or synonyms like "surplus" or "overabundance" for enhanced clarity and to avoid repetition. The usage is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. The phrase serves to express a concern or issue related to an overabundance of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overabundance

Highlights the state of having too much of something.

Glut

Indicates an excessive supply or amount of something.

Surplus amount

Focuses on the idea of having more than what is needed.

Plethora

Describes a large or excessive amount of something, often with a positive connotation.

Extreme amount

Emphasizes that the amount is at the highest degree or intensity.

Disproportionate amount

Emphasizes that the amount is not in the correct proportion or balance.

Exorbitant quantity

Implies that the quantity is unreasonably high and often unacceptable.

Inordinate quantity

Uses a more formal tone to indicate an amount that is beyond reasonable limits.

Superfluity

Refers to something that is beyond what is necessary or sufficient; a high-level, more literary synonym.

Profusion

Suggests a lavish or extravagant supply.

FAQs

How can I use "excessive quantity" in a sentence?

You can use "excessive quantity" to describe amounts that are more than necessary or reasonable. For instance, "The recipe called for an "excessive quantity" of sugar, making the dessert too sweet."

What's a more concise alternative to "excessive quantity"?

Consider using "overabundance", "surplus", or "glut" as more concise alternatives depending on the context. For example, instead of "an "excessive quantity" of supplies", you might say "a surplus of supplies".

Is there a negative connotation associated with "excessive quantity"?

Yes, "excessive quantity" often implies a negative consequence or problem resulting from having too much of something. The severity can vary depending on the context.

What is the difference between "excessive quantity" and "large quantity"?

"Large quantity" simply indicates a significant amount, while "excessive quantity" suggests that the amount is beyond what is needed or desirable and may be problematic. For example, while a "large quantity" of donations is good, an ""excessive quantity"" might be difficult to manage.