far too little

USAGE SUMMARY

"far too little" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not enough in either amount or quality. For example: "She was given far too little time to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Worse still, there's far too little art.

The New York Times

Those with far too little, give half.

The Guardian

Many had had far too little sleep.

The Guardian

For the criminals, it's far too little.

The New York Times - Books

But after two years, far too little has happened.

The Economist

It concluded that far too little is being done.

The Economist

It was a joy I had far too little of".

Independent

Martial's transfer fee WAS outrageous - United paid far too little.

Independent

Far too little has so far happened along these lines.

The Guardian - Tech

Far too little emphasis was put on restructuring unpayable debts.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it was far too little, too late.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too little", ensure the context clearly indicates what the insufficient quantity or quality is referring to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "far too little" without clearly defining the expected or required amount. Without context, the phrase loses its impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too little" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It amplifies the degree to which something is insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far too little" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is severely inadequate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and business communication. While alternatives like "not nearly enough" or "woefully inadequate" exist, "far too little" provides a straightforward and effective way to convey insufficiency. Remember to provide clear context when using it to avoid ambiguity, so your audience can fully grasp what you're referring to and the extent of its inadequacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient by far

Reverses the word order for a slightly different emphasis.

not nearly enough

Emphasizes a greater degree of inadequacy compared to "far too little".

nowhere near enough

Similar to 'not nearly enough', but with a slightly more informal tone.

woefully inadequate

Highlights the disappointing nature of the insufficiency.

far from sufficient

A more formal way of expressing that something is not enough.

severely lacking

Focuses on the deficiency and its significant impact.

hardly sufficient

Expresses doubt about whether something is even minimally adequate.

pathetically insufficient

Emphasizes the extreme inadequacy, often with a sense of pity or ridicule.

remarkably scant

Highlights the surprising or unexpected smallness of the quantity.

a drop in the bucket

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the insignificance of the amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "far too little" to express that something is inadequate or insufficient. For example, "There was far too little funding for the project", or "He showed far too little concern for the victims".

What are some alternatives to "far too little"?

Alternatives include "not nearly enough", "woefully inadequate", or "severely lacking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "too little" instead of "far too little"?

Yes, "too little" is often sufficient and more concise. "Far too little" simply adds emphasis to the inadequacy. The choice depends on the desired level of impact.

What's the difference between "far too little" and "much too little"?

Both phrases express inadequacy, but "far too little" can suggest a greater degree of deficiency or a stronger sense of disapproval than "much too little".