extravagant thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extravagant thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item or concept that is lavish, excessive, or luxurious in nature. Example: "The party was filled with extravagant things, from the opulent decorations to the gourmet food served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What's the most extravagant thing you've bought?

The Guardian - Film

We had to envision the most extravagant thing we'd do in order to get an early discharge from the Navy.

The New York Times

That evening at work was a girl's bat mitzvah - the most extravagant thing I've ever seen.

The Guardian - Travel

You gave some of your winnings away to charity, but what was the most extravagant thing you bought for yourself immediately after your big win?

The Guardian - Sport

They think the character comes from staying in the wheelchair or being locked in the jail or whatever extravagant thing they choose to focus their fantasies on.

The New York Times - Magazine

An enormous Advent TV — 70 by 52 inches, a rare and extravagant thing in those days — was installed on a swiveling base above a black marble fireplace in the living room, so that it could be seen from that room or the dining table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And Tunica is only just starting to dream about the extravagant things it can do.

The Economist

"I got into this because the feds cracked down on the more extravagant things they were doing: the dinners, courtside N.B.A. games, flying them to the islands".

The New York Times

Some of them might like to be spoiled for a change, with wrapping paper and ribbon and a few extravagant things, thank you very much.

The New York Times

When he made notes in his scripts, he said all kinds of extravagant things, such as "The English army enters Orléans".

The New Yorker

Since it was filled with a number of extravagant things… perhaps the notebook was a little too much over the top, they instantly knew it was false and wanted to know my true purpose of visiting".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extravagant thing" to specifically denote an item or action that stands out for its luxurious or excessive nature. Consider whether the context calls for highlighting the cost, the indulgence, or the ostentation.

Common error

While the phrase is grammatically sound, using "extravagant thing" repeatedly, especially in formal writing, can make your language sound simplistic. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "lavish item" or "opulent acquisition" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extravagant thing" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "extravagant" modifies the noun "thing". Ludwig confirms this structure, with examples showing it describing various items or actions deemed luxurious or excessive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extravagant thing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes something luxurious or excessive. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context. In more formal settings, synonyms like "lavish object" or "opulent possession" may be more suitable. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources and less often in academic or formal business contexts. While not a very common phrase, it serves a useful purpose in describing items or experiences beyond the ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

luxurious item

Focuses on the luxury aspect, implying comfort and high quality.

lavish object

Highlights the abundance and richness of the object.

opulent possession

Emphasizes the wealth and grandeur associated with ownership.

wasteful indulgence

Conveys the idea of spending excessively on something unnecessary.

exorbitant purchase

Highlights the high cost and potential unreasonableness of the purchase.

showy display

Focuses on the visual aspect, suggesting something ostentatious.

excessive extravagance

Doubles down on the concept of being beyond what is necessary.

gratuitous expense

Implies the expense was unnecessary and possibly wasteful.

premium acquisition

Highlights the high quality or exclusivity of the item acquired.

costly artifact

Focuses on the value and potentially historical significance of the item.

FAQs

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

You can use "extravagant thing" to describe something that is luxurious, excessive, or lavish. For example, "The most "extravagant thing" she bought was a diamond-encrusted phone case."

What are some alternatives to "extravagant thing"?

Alternatives include "luxurious item", "lavish object", or "opulent possession". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extravagant thing" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "extravagant thing" might sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider using more refined synonyms such as "premium acquisition" or "costly artifact" for a more polished tone.

What is the difference between "extravagant thing" and "luxury item"?

"Extravagant thing" emphasizes the excess and lavishness, while "luxury item" focuses more on the high quality and exclusivity. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the excess or the quality.