far too many

USAGE SUMMARY

"far too many" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something that is much too larger or greater than what is desired or appropriate. For example, "There are far too many people in this line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Far too many died.

The New York Times

Seen far too many bodies.

Independent

Far too many left school at 14.

The Economist

Far too many turned their St.

The New York Times - Sports

There are far too many tests.

The Economist

Moyes has far too many overachievers.

Independent

So far, too many are not.

The Economist

Worse, far too many PROUDLY closed minds.

Independent

But far too many are awful.

The Economist

There are far too many emblematic characters.

Independent

Far too many, as usual.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too many", consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended tone. It's suitable for expressing concern, disapproval, or frustration regarding an excessive amount.

Common error

Avoid using "far too many" when a simple "many" or "too many" suffices. "Far too many" adds emphasis, so reserve it for situations where the excess is particularly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too many" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating an amount that is excessively large or greater than desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something is much too large or great. Examples from news sources illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far too many" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express that something is excessively abundant or numerous, often implying a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for indicating quantities larger than desired. It is commonly found in News & Media, with a neutral register. While "too many" is a simpler alternative, "far too many" adds emphasis when the excess is particularly noteworthy. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in expressing concern, disapproval, or frustration regarding excessive quantities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive number

Replaces "far too many" with a more formal and direct noun phrase.

overly abundant

Uses a more descriptive adjective to express that something is more than sufficiently available, shifting from "far too many".

an abundance of

Replaces "far too many" with a phrase emphasizing a plentiful, sometimes excessive, quantity.

a plethora of

Substitutes "far too many" with a phrase indicating a large and often excessive amount.

an inordinate amount

Replaces "far too many" with a phrase that suggests an excessive or disproportionate quantity.

too numerous to count

Conveys the idea of a quantity being so large it's impractical to enumerate, instead of "far too many".

way too much

Uses a more informal and emphatic expression to convey that something is excessive, shifting from "far too many".

a vast quantity

Emphasizes the large size of the quantity, instead of focusing on it being excessive as "far too many" does.

a great surplus

Highlights that there is more of something than is needed, suggesting an excess similar to "far too many".

countless instances

Focuses on the frequency of occurrences rather than the sheer number, diverging slightly from "far too many".

FAQs

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

You can use "far too many" to express that there is an excessive amount of something. For example, "There are "far too many" cars on the road during rush hour" or "He made "far too many mistakes" during the presentation".

What's a more formal way to say "far too many"?

Formal alternatives to "far too many" include phrases like "excessive number", "inordinate amount", or "overly abundant", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "too many" is often sufficient and more concise when the emphasis isn't necessary. Use "far too many" when you want to strongly emphasize that the quantity is excessive and problematic.

What is the difference between "far too many" and "much too many"?

"Far too many" and "much too many" are quite similar, both expressing excess. "Far too many" may carry a slightly stronger connotation of disapproval or concern about the excess.