given to excess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given to excess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that tends to indulge in excessive behavior or habits. Example: "His lifestyle, often given to excess, led to numerous health issues over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is exceptionally polite, softly spoken, not given to excess or exaggeration; only occasionally does he raise his voice.

The Guardian - Film

His self-confidence has never been in question, but he is not flamboyant or given to excess -- at least not for someone worth nearly $10 billion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is well-behaved and not given to excesses; above all, it keeps its tongue firmly in its cheek and not halfway down the leading lady's throat.

The Guardian

Mr. McAuliffe was given to his excess.

The New York Times

Academics too were given to this excess, as many an Oxford or Cambridge chapel shows.

The Economist

Now Tredwell is a self-effacing man with an ecclesiastical air, not given to an excess of an emotion, but soon he was surrounded by adoring colleagues eager to embrace him.

The Guardian - Sport

In many instances NHS partners incur costs related to administration of the research processes of studies (service support costs) and/or to increase the throughput of patients or the level of care given to them (excess treatment costs).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The verbal feedback always corresponded to real performance success or failure on the preceding trial (except on the few "trick" trials with equal number of dots on both sides, where a negative "LOST" feedback was given to reduce an excess of correct over incorrect trials).

Plosone

And both politics and writing, in different ways, exist in part to assert human agency in the face of trends that seem inexorable and impersonal — to hold up ideals even when fewer people are living up to them, to try to shape and redirect trends rather than taking them as a given, to mitigate the excesses of revolutions and try to preserve the best of the old even when the new comes rushing in.

The New York Times

The adverbial excess given to Fiona as a defining mannerism ("generally usual", "wholly probably unspeakable") gradually spreads to other characters.

The Guardian - Books

It is also prolix and given to thundering extremes, but excess is a Rzewskian trademark and part of his attraction.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given to excess", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific behavior or aspect is being indulged in excessively. This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "given to excess" as a general term of disapproval without specifying the area of excess. Vague usage can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given to excess" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing a person or entity as having a tendency towards immoderate behavior or extravagance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "given to excess" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a tendency towards immoderate behavior or extravagance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not frequently used, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what is being indulged in excessively when using this phrase. Alternatives like "prone to overindulgence" or "inclined to extravagance" can be used for variety. Avoid vague usage to maintain credibility and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to overindulgence

Indicates a susceptibility to indulging excessively.

inclined to extravagance

Highlights a disposition towards lavishness and spending beyond what is necessary.

liable to excess

Suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility to immoderate behavior.

tending to immoderation

Focuses on a habitual inclination towards a lack of restraint.

disposed to intemperance

Emphasizes a leaning towards excessive consumption or behavior.

susceptible to overdoing it

Highlights a vulnerability to exceeding reasonable limits.

partial to extremes

Implies a preference for actions or behaviors that are far from moderate.

with a penchant for excess

Indicates a fondness or liking for extravagance.

having a weakness for indulgence

Suggests a susceptibility or inability to resist pleasurable activities.

not one to practice restraint

Highlights the absence of self-control or moderation.

FAQs

How can I use "given to excess" in a sentence?

You can use "given to excess" to describe someone or something that tends to indulge in immoderate behavior. For example, "His lifestyle, often given to excess, led to numerous health issues."

What phrases are similar to "given to excess"?

Similar phrases include "prone to overindulgence", "inclined to extravagance", or "liable to excess".

Is it grammatically correct to say "given to excess"?

Yes, "given to excess" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

What's the difference between "given to excess" and "due to excess"?

"Given to excess" describes a tendency towards immoderation, while "due to excess" indicates that something is caused by an overabundance or surplus of something.