far too grand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too grand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively elaborate or impressive, often in a critical or disapproving manner. Example: "The decorations for the event were far too grand for a simple gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's far too grand.

The New York Times

Far too grand, I'd have thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that would be far too grand an ambition.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is stubborn, abrasive and operatically self-expressive — her emotions far too grand for her mean, tawdry surroundings.

The New York Times

He was called Apollo, which was far too grand a name for a scruffy Welsh mountain pony.

The Guardian - Money

Far too grand for such fripperies as story or characters, Crash instead consisted of the interaction of unintentionally caricatured ideas, and suggested that the US's racial problems were basically rooted in an endless series of self-defeating misapprehensions by individuals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each man has chosen to run a narrow, tactical campaign, a campaign of tax cuts and pandering to the elderly — a campaign far too small for so grand a country.

The New Yorker

It is the difference between a living masterpiece and a work of grand obsession that, far too often, lies dead on the page.

The New York Times - Books

Of course, what they really should have realised was that, in the grand scheme of things, Wonga were far too tight to pay real solicitors.

Vice

Nicholas D. Kristof (column, March 10) describes a frightening scenario of Grand Central as ground zero that is far too real a threat to be dismissed as another Hollywood movie theme.

The New York Times

It's a lovely baby grand that a friend and neighbor sold to me, for far too little, when she left Alaska.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too grand", ensure the context clearly indicates why the grandeur is excessive or inappropriate, providing specific details to support your claim. For example, "The wedding decorations were far too grand for the small, intimate venue, overwhelming the guests."

Common error

Avoid using "far too grand" when you intend to express genuine admiration or appreciation. The phrase typically carries a critical or disapproving tone, suggesting the grandeur is excessive or misplaced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too grand" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "grand". It expresses a degree of excessiveness or inappropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far too grand" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something excessively elaborate or impressive, often with a critical undertone. Ludwig AI validates this usage, pinpointing its prevalence in journalistic contexts. This phrase serves to express disapproval or criticism, suggesting that the subject's grandeur is misplaced or inappropriate. While the phrase is typically neutral in register, its frequent appearance in news sources indicates a professional level of formality. Remember to ensure that the context clearly justifies the assessment of excessiveness to effectively use "far too grand" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively grandiose

Replaces "grand" with "grandiose" and "far too" with "excessively", emphasizing the exaggerated nature.

overly elaborate

Focuses on the complexity and detail, suggesting it exceeds what is necessary or appropriate.

much too extravagant

Highlights the lavish and wasteful aspect of the grandeur.

inordinately pretentious

Emphasizes the showy and affected nature of the grandeur.

unsuitably magnificent

Suggests the grandeur is inappropriate or ill-fitting for the context.

way too ostentatious

Highlights the vulgar and attention-seeking aspect of the grandeur.

improperly majestic

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the majestic quality.

over the top

A more informal way of saying something is excessive or exaggerated.

a bit much

A simple way to convey that something is excessive.

too much

Shortened version, but still conveys the meaning of excessiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "far too grand" in a sentence?

You can use "far too grand" to describe something excessively elaborate or impressive in a critical way. For example: "The plans for the new museum were "far too grand", given the limited budget."

What's a good alternative to "far too grand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "excessively grandiose", "overly elaborate", or "much too extravagant".

Is "far too grand" grammatically correct?

Yes, "far too grand" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "far" to intensify "too", which modifies the adjective "grand".

What's the difference between "too grand" and "far too grand"?

"Too grand" indicates something is excessively impressive or elaborate. Adding "far" intensifies this meaning, making it indicate a significantly higher level of excessiveness. The decorations were "too grand" versus the decorations were "far too grand".