extravagant prose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extravagant prose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe writing that is elaborate, ornate, or excessively flowery in style. Example: "The author's extravagant prose captivated readers, drawing them into a world of vivid imagery and complex emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yet he was unafraid of extravagant prose.

The New York Times - Arts

Mystics have enveloped them in the extravagant prose of speculative systems and in simple folktales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Extravagant prose is inevitably a stand-out feature of the book.

The Guardian - Books

Burroughs's novels relate in colourful, rather extravagant prose how Tarzan, the son of an English nobleman, is abandoned in the jungles of Africa, where he is adopted and raised by a tribe of great apes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It became renowned for its fusion of social conscience and artistic radicality and for the way Evans's spare, tautly composed images and Agee's more extravagant prose complement and enhance each other.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Luckily for us, he has channelled his recognition into extravagant, zinging prose to create the Moreys, the hideously nouveau-riche family laid bare at the core of this mordant social novel.

The New Yorker

The Memory Palace won comparison with W G Sebald on its initial publication, which seems to me rather extravagant: Hollis's prose is patchy, and his arguments can be rather vague.

Independent

For that we can be grateful, as we can for the mythic allure of the Mississippi Delta, the place that still focuses his memory best and does those extravagant things to his prose.

The New York Times - Books

Ferris's prose is brash, extravagant, and, near the end, chillingly beautiful.

The New Yorker

Now England has seen the rise of "Mr. Chartwell," a humorous and amiable novel about which such extravagant claims have been made — for its prose, psychological insight and emotional depth — that one might imagine a work to rival Robert Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy" instead of what is, in fact, well-packaged chick lit.

The New York Times - Books

This, added to the various crowd-sourced anecdotes that pepper the text and the gusto of the prose – centipedes, for example, are distinguished by their "extravagant legginess" – makes for irresistible dipping and rambling.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extravagant prose", ensure that the descriptive language enhances the overall message rather than detracting from it. Balance richness with clarity.

Common error

Avoid filling your writing with excessive adjectives when aiming for "extravagant prose". Focus on vivid verbs and strong nouns to create a more impactful and less cluttered style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extravagant prose" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize a particular style of writing. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to denote prose that is elaborate, ornate, or excessively flowery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

40%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extravagant prose" is a descriptive term used to characterize writing that is elaborate, ornate, or excessively flowery. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's grammatically correct but relatively rare. It's typically found in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of its potential connotations of excess, and consider alternatives like "florid language" or "ornate writing" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

florid language

Refers to excessively ornate or flowery language, often used to impress or persuade.

ornate writing

Emphasizes the elaborate and decorative nature of the writing style.

elaborate style

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of the writing.

grandiose prose

Implies a pompous or exaggerated style, often used to create a sense of importance.

bombastic language

Suggests inflated and pretentious language, often used to impress but lacking substance.

overblown rhetoric

Focuses on the exaggerated and often insincere nature of the writing.

purple prose

Describes writing that is excessively ornate and self-indulgent, often distracting from the content.

flowery language

Emphasizes the decorative and ornamental aspects of the writing style.

richly detailed writing

Focuses on the abundance of descriptive elements in the writing.

embellished expression

Highlights the use of decorative additions to the writing, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "extravagant prose" in my writing?

Employ "extravagant prose" to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions in your readers. However, ensure it aligns with your writing's overall tone and purpose.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "extravagant prose"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "florid language", "ornate writing", or "elaborate style".

Is "extravagant prose" suitable for all types of writing?

No, "extravagant prose" is not suitable for all types of writing. It is best used in creative writing, such as novels or poetry, where the goal is to create a strong emotional impact. It is less appropriate for technical or academic writing, where clarity and precision are more important.

What is the difference between "extravagant prose" and "purple prose"?

"Extravagant prose" refers to a richly detailed and stylized writing style, while "purple prose" specifically describes writing that is excessively ornate and distracting from the content.