far too heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively heavy, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The box was far too heavy for me to lift on my own, so I asked for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But at 4,500 pounds, this beast is far too heavy to hoist moonward.

The New York Times

It's far too heavy, for example, weighing in at 2lb – far heavier than the competition.

The Guardian - Tech

Popover batter was far too heavy for the paper muffin containers.

The New York Times - Food

Glass, in greenhouses this size, would have been far too heavy and inflexible.

The New York Times - Travel

Huge leather-bound Bibles, far too heavy to pick up, lie on tables.

The Guardian - Music

I thought they would notice at once that the suitcase was far too heavy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Duffy's jollification may be a satirical counter to Horace's "Dulce et decorum est," but she's far too heavy-handed.

The New York Times - Books

Governments have been alert to this problem from the earliest days of the internet, but recent European draft legislation looks far too heavy-handed.

The Economist

With Grundy (203cm), Witts (209cm), Jesse White (196cm), Travis Cloke (196cm) and second-game swingman Darcy Moore (199cm) on the field together, Collingwood was far too top heavy in a game where the ball resembled a piece of soap for most of the night.

The Guardian - Sport

While far too bass-heavy for my tastes, you cannot overlook their popularity.

The New York Times

The $699 Pepper Pad 3 isn't a tablet or a laptop, and it's far too underpowered to run heavy-duty software.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far too heavy" to express that something exceeds acceptable weight limits or expectations. This can apply literally (a physical object) or figuratively (a burden, responsibility, etc.).

Common error

Avoid using "far too heavy" solely for literal weight descriptions. The phrase is often more effective when used metaphorically to describe an emotional or abstract burden. For example, "The responsibility felt far too heavy for her to bear alone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too heavy" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun. It intensifies the adjective "heavy", indicating that something exceeds the acceptable or manageable level of weight or burden. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far too heavy" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase to describe something exceeding an acceptable level of weight or burden. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and suitable for both literal and figurative contexts. While it enjoys broad applicability, it is more common in News & Media and general writing compared to academic or scientific settings. Alternatives include "much too heavy" or "excessively heavy", though "far too heavy" often provides a stronger emphasis. When using this phrase, consider if it’s more than just about literal weight; the figurative use can add depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much too heavy

Synonymous; replaces "far" with "much" for a slightly less emphatic tone.

excessively heavy

Uses a more formal adverb to indicate the high degree of heaviness.

unduly heavy

Suggests the heaviness is unwarranted or inappropriate in the given situation.

overly heavy

Similar to "excessively", but with a slightly more casual tone.

prohibitively heavy

Implies the heaviness makes something impossible or impractical.

unmanageably heavy

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of handling the weight.

too weighty

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying too heavy, often used metaphorically.

inordinately heavy

Indicates a heaviness that is beyond what is normal or reasonable.

burdensomely heavy

Emphasizes the burdensome or oppressive nature of the weight.

cumbersomely heavy

Focuses on the awkwardness and difficulty caused by the heaviness.

FAQs

What does "far too heavy" mean?

The phrase "far too heavy" means that something is excessively heavy, either literally in terms of weight or figuratively in terms of burden or responsibility.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "far too heavy"?

It's appropriate to use "far too heavy" when you want to emphasize that something exceeds the acceptable or manageable limit of weight or burden. For example, "The suitcase was "far too heavy" for me to lift" or "The pressure was "far too heavy" to bear".

What are some alternatives to saying "far too heavy"?

Alternatives to "far too heavy" include "much too heavy", "excessively heavy", or "overly heavy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "far too heavy" a formal or informal expression?

"Far too heavy" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.