given to hyperbole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given to hyperbole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that tends to exaggerate or overstate facts or feelings. Example: "Her storytelling is often given to hyperbole, making even the simplest events sound grand and dramatic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

And Ancelotti is not given to hyperbole.

The New York Times - Sports

McCain is not given to hyperbole.

The Guardian

Indeed, it has been a debate given to hyperbole, and repetition.

The New York Times

Sutton is a down-to-earth Australian, not given to hyperbole, but he is effusive.

The Guardian - Sport

Although not generally given to hyperbole, Mancini drives the analogy further.

The Guardian - Sport

Of the esteem in which he holds Abdalla, Greengrass says: "I'm not given to hyperbole.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Dr. Robert Murray is not the kind of person given to exaggeration or hyperbole.

Huffington Post

She is not much given to sentimental hyperbole or gushing spiritual insights.

The Guardian

"It is an astonishing performance … Cumberbatch's Creature is unforgettable," says Michael Billington, who is not usually given to such hyperbole.

The Guardian

Like many modern British Conservatives, Mr O'Hara is influenced by Friedrich Hayek in his critique of the state's efficiency, while offering a reminder that the author of the "Road to Serfdom" was given to epic hyperbole.

The Economist

His biographer, perhaps falling under his spell, is given to similar hyperbole, calling Micheaux "the Jackie Robinson of American film... a Muhammad Ali decades before his time" who "deserves to be considered in the same breath as the sainted D. W. Griffith".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "given to hyperbole", provide specific examples to support your claim. This adds credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "given to hyperbole" to casually dismiss someone's genuine concerns. Hyperbole can be a rhetorical device, but it can also mask real issues if not carefully considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given to hyperbole" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating a tendency or inclination towards using hyperbole. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to characterize individuals, statements, or even entire nations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given to hyperbole" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a tendency towards exaggeration. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, it often carries a critical tone. Related phrases include "prone to exaggeration" and "inclined to overstatement". When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific examples to support your assessment and avoid dismissing genuine concerns. It is important to remember that, despite the frequency of this expression, describing someone as "given to hyperbole" can be considered negative, therefore, it is suggested to take extra caution during its employment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to exaggeration

Indicates a tendency to exaggerate, focusing on the act of exaggeration itself.

inclined to overstatement

Suggests a predisposition to state something more strongly than the facts warrant.

tending to exaggerate

Describes a habitual behavior of making things seem larger or more important than they are.

overly dramatic

Characterizes someone who acts or speaks in an excessively theatrical way.

fond of embellishment

Implies a liking for adding decorative details that may not be entirely true.

disposed to amplify

Suggests a natural inclination to increase or exaggerate the intensity of something.

exaggeration-prone

Highlights a vulnerability or susceptibility to exaggerating facts or situations.

inclined to amplify

Similar to 'disposed to amplify', but with a slightly less strong connotation of deliberate intent.

prone to overstatement

Mirrors 'inclined to overstatement', emphasizing the tendency toward excessive claims.

liable to exaggerate

Indicates a possibility or risk of exaggerating, often without conscious intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "given to hyperbole" to describe someone who tends to exaggerate. For example: "The politician's speeches were often "given to hyperbole", making it difficult to discern the truth."

What is a synonym for "given to hyperbole"?

Synonyms for "given to hyperbole" include "prone to exaggeration", "inclined to overstatement", and "tending to exaggerate".

Is it negative to describe someone as "given to hyperbole"?

Yes, describing someone as "given to hyperbole" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that they often exaggerate or overstate things, which can undermine their credibility.

What's the difference between "given to hyperbole" and "prone to exaggeration"?

While both phrases indicate a tendency to exaggerate, "given to hyperbole" specifically refers to the use of hyperbole, a figure of speech involving exaggeration, while "prone to exaggeration" is a more general term referring to any form of exaggeration.