far too precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too precious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is extremely valuable or important, often in a sentimental context. Example: "The memories we created during our childhood are far too precious to forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

News & Media

Personal Reflections

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It's far too precious.

The Guardian - Music

My time was far too precious.

The Guardian - Tech

That's far too precious to keep behind a commercial wall.

MIT Technology Review

These qualities are far too precious to lose.

The Guardian

Their vote is far too precious to bestow on any of the parties on offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a moment of opportunity far too precious to waste.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Our nation has capriciously squandered far too many precious national resources combating a green weed that makes people feel good.

Los Angeles Times

The victory that arrived on this evening for the Red Sox and their true believers was far too rare and precious, too long overdue and spectacular in its consummation, to be upstaged by something so commonplace as the earth, moon and stars.

The Washington Post

Some committees will claim far too much of your precious time, and others could lead to conflicts with administrators or senior colleagues; steer clear of those.

Science Magazine

"The bureau is far too powerful, and with precious little oversight of its activities," he said in the report.

HuffPost

They hate their own history and traditions, loathe the state of Israel and are far too prone to trade their precious birthright for the closest cause or cult.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like time or opportunities, using "far too precious" emphasizes the importance of not wasting them.

Common error

Avoid using "far too precious" when a simpler "too precious" or "very precious" suffices. Overusing the intensifier can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too precious" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying an adjective. It emphasizes the extreme value or importance of something, making it more than just "precious". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

General

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far too precious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the high value or importance of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a versatile expression found in various contexts, from news and media to academia and general conversation. While alternatives like "exceedingly valuable" or "incredibly dear" exist, "far too precious" carries a unique emotional weight, making it suitable for expressing deep appreciation and care. Be mindful of the intensity it conveys to avoid overusing it, and leverage its power to add depth and resonance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceedingly valuable

Changes the intensifier while maintaining the core meaning of high value.

incredibly dear

Replaces "precious" with "dear" to suggest emotional value rather than material worth.

utterly priceless

Emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of something, suggesting its value cannot be quantified.

extremely cherished

Highlights the act of cherishing and deep affection associated with the subject.

highly esteemed

Indicates a formal respect and admiration for the subject.

immeasurably treasured

Stresses the depth of emotional investment and care given to the subject.

remarkably significant

Shifts the focus to the importance and impact of something rather than its sentimental value.

exceptionally prized

Emphasizes that something is highly valued and sought after.

too valuable to lose

Focuses on the importance of retaining something due to its high value.

irreplaceably special

Highlights the unique and non-replicable quality of the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "far too precious" to describe something of great value, whether material or emotional. For instance, "Those memories are "far too precious" to forget" or "This opportunity is "far too precious" to waste".

What are some alternatives to "far too precious"?

Alternatives include "exceedingly valuable", "incredibly dear", or "utterly priceless", depending on the specific context and the type of value you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "far too precious"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, with "far" acting as an intensifier for "too", which modifies the adjective "precious".

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

"Far" intensifies the degree to which something is "too precious". While "too precious" indicates something is highly valued, "far too precious" emphasizes that it is extremely and undeniably valuable.