extravagant behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extravagant behavior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are excessively elaborate, luxurious, or wasteful. Example: "His extravagant behavior at the party drew both admiration and criticism from the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"She wore men's clothing, used swear words and was considered a scandalous figure in town because of her extravagant behavior".

The New York Times - Books

Bipolar disorder does run in families and is characterized by episodes of frenetic energy — often tinted by grandiosity and extravagant behavior — alternating with periods of profound depression.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tells about his fits of homesickness, his extravagant behavior on the courts; where he has been known to talk & shout at his opponents, get down on his hands and knees and pound the clay with his fists, bite balls and throw his racquet into the gallery.

The New Yorker

Nowadays, such extravagant behavior in the midst of poverty not to mention the frequent use of live animals and birds would be widely regarded as unacceptable.

Forbes

Sexual signals, in particular, may involve extravagant behavior or ornamentation that often differ between closely related species, making them important and challenging models for the study of communication and signal evolution.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Exactly how limited will depend on your tolerance for tasteless behavior, extravagant overacting and a decibel level to rival the unveiling of Oprah's Favorite Things.

The New York Times

Filmed primarily from the point of view of a lisping videographer, the movie flaunts tasteless behavior, extravagant overacting and a decibel level to rival the unveiling of Oprah's Favorite Things.

The New York Times

Germany boasts Europe's best economy, but that doesn't mean Germans exhibit wasteful winter behavior like their extravagant, oil-addicted friends across the Atlantic (not naming any names here).

The Guardian - Opinion

Like most of Mr. Rodrigues's plays, it also contains a large dose of melodrama and characters whose behavior seems so extravagant and extreme that it is sometimes difficult to tell whether the play being performed is a tragedy or an absurdist comedy.

The New York Times

But simply summarizing its chapters hardly does justice to a book that is crammed with interesting and often obscure facts, lively speculations, and measured judgments on some of the more extravagant sociobiological claims about human reproductive behaviors.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Being attractive as a male animal--such as sporting extravagant body parts or displaying exhaustive mating behavior--often comes at a cost that only the fittest individuals can bear.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality, use "extravagant behavior" to showcase their flamboyance or lack of restraint, but ensure the context supports this level of intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "extravagant behavior" in formal reports or academic papers where a more neutral term like "unconventional actions" or "notable conduct" would be more appropriate. Reserve "extravagant behavior" for contexts where you want to emphasize excess or flamboyance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extravagant behavior" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "extravagant" modifies the noun "behavior". Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe actions that exceed normal or reasonable limits.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extravagant behavior" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase, used to portray actions characterized by excess, wastefulness, or flamboyance. While its frequency is currently rare, Ludwig confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. Understanding its nuances and choosing appropriate contexts, as well as, recognizing potential alternatives, can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive conduct

Emphasizes the exceeding of normal or acceptable limits in behavior.

lavish lifestyle

Focuses on the opulent and luxurious aspects of one's way of living.

prodigal actions

Highlights the wasteful and reckless nature of the behavior.

grandiose gestures

Implies behavior that is showy and intended to impress.

immoderate habits

Stresses the lack of restraint and balance in one's routines.

unrestrained conduct

Highlights the absence of control or limitation in behavior.

over-the-top antics

Suggests behavior that is exaggerated and theatrical.

ostentatious display

Focuses on behavior intended to attract attention and admiration.

wasteful spending habits

Specifically refers to the extravagant use of money.

imprudent ways

Highlights lack of foresight and consideration in one's behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "extravagant behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "extravagant behavior" to describe someone's actions that are excessively elaborate, luxurious, or wasteful. For example: "His "extravagant behavior" at the party drew both admiration and criticism."

What are some alternatives to "extravagant behavior"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "excessive conduct", "lavish lifestyle", or "prodigal actions".

Is "extravagant behavior" a formal or informal term?

"Extravagant behavior" leans toward the informal side due to its descriptive and somewhat judgmental tone. In more formal contexts, consider using "unconventional actions" or "notable conduct".

What is the difference between "extravagant behavior" and "eccentric behavior"?

"Extravagant behavior" implies excessive spending or lavish displays, while "eccentric behavior" refers to actions that deviate from the norm in a peculiar or unconventional way.