excessive use

USAGE SUMMARY

"excessive use" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any situation in which an excessive amount or rate of use of something is evident. For example, "Younger generations are particularly prone to excessive use of technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excessive use of emergency rooms.

The Washington Post

excessive use of force by the police.

The New York Times

Excessive use of filler words when speaking.

The New Yorker

Beware of excessive use of any essential oil.

The New York Times - Health

Eikenberry declined to specify precisely what constituted "excessive" use.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was quite obviously excessive use of force," said Guthrie.

The Guardian

The complaints ranged from excessive use of force to police.

The New York Times

Excessive use of force included unlawful killings and torture".

The New Yorker

"Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides also pollute underground water.

The Guardian

And he notes with concern the excessive use of technology.

Stanford University

Can excessive use create problems where previously none existed?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, clarify the subject of the "excessive use". For example, specify "excessive use of force" or "excessive use of antibiotics".

Common error

Avoid using "excessive use" without clearly specifying what is being used excessively. Without context, the phrase lacks meaning and may confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive use" functions primarily as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase. It describes situations where something is used to an unnecessary or inappropriate degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive use" is a grammatically sound and widely employed expression used to denote that something is being utilized to an unnecessary or inappropriate degree. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is perfectly valid in written English. Its versatility is evident in its frequent appearance across diverse contexts like news reports, scientific publications, and general discussions. While contexts may vary, the underlying communicative function consistently conveys concern about overuse. When using "excessive use", be sure to provide clear context. For alternatives, consider "overuse", "overutilization", or "immoderate consumption".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overuse

A more concise, single-word alternative focusing on the act of using too much.

overutilization

Implies a greater degree of systematic or deliberate excess in usage.

immoderate consumption

Specifically refers to consuming something beyond reasonable limits.

disproportionate application

Suggests an imbalance or lack of restraint in how something is applied.

surplus employment

Indicates employing more of something than necessary, often in a wasteful way.

unwarranted exploitation

Emphasizes the unjustifiable or inappropriate use of something.

gratuitous expenditure

Highlights spending more than is needed.

extreme indulgence

Focuses on self-gratification or excessiveness in satisfying desires.

rampant squandering

Implies careless and wasteful usage, often on a large scale.

profligate dissipation

Highlights wasteful spending or use, often implying moral decay.

FAQs

How can I replace the phrase "excessive use" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "overuse", "overutilization", or "immoderate consumption" depending on the context.

What are some examples of "excessive use" in different contexts?

Examples of "excessive use" include "excessive use of force by police", "excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture", and "excessive use of mobile phones by teenagers".

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "excess use" instead of "excessive use"?

While "excess use" might be understood, "excessive use" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What is the difference between "extensive use" and "excessive use"?

"Extensive use" simply means something is used a lot, while "excessive use" implies that something is used too much, often with negative consequences.