heavy consumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy consumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the large amount of something that is being used, such as in the sentence, "The heavy consumption of electricity has caused an increase in prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

FOOTNOTE -- There is heavy consumption of alcohol.

The New York Times

And calcium is by no means the only nutrient compromised by heavy consumption of added sugars.

The New York Times - Health

It's not that Poles have suddenly reduced their heavy consumption of alcohol.

The New York Times

And with summers warming, the United States and Mexico will continue increasing their heavy consumption of cool.

The Guardian

Heavy consumption of coffee during pregnancy appears to be associated with a higher risk of stillbirth, researchers have found.

The New York Times - Health

Yet our current social environment encourages heavy consumption of sugary soft drinks, making such outcomes much more likely.

The New York Times

We're still in a period of heavy consumption, because the appetite is still there, but now it's sort of underground.

The New York Times

In areas frequented by tourists, like Goa, heavy consumption of bottled water has resulted in trash on beaches, creating eyesores and endangering marine life.

The New York Times

As I write in today's Well column, heavy consumption of caffeinated energy drinks may be a predictor of risky behavior by teens.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As a result, Google is engineering search for more data-heavy consumption.

Forbes

DOI: 10.1038/sj/bjc/6600018 www.bjcancer.com © 2002 The Cancer Research Campaign Heavy consumption of alcohol and tobacco is responsible for synchronous and metachronous primary malignancies in the upper aerodigestive tract.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact, pair "heavy consumption" with specific resources like water, energy, or fossil fuels to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy consumption" when you actually mean compulsive or psychologically driven consumption. "Heavy consumption" simply indicates a large quantity, while obsessive consumption implies a behavioral disorder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy consumption" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The word "heavy" modifies "consumption", indicating a large quantity or degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy consumption" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a large amount of something being used or consumed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid in English and widely applicable. It appears most often in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, consider its implications and specify the resource or item being consumed to provide context. Be mindful of the distinction between "heavy consumption" and "overconsumption", as the latter implies excess or wastefulness. Alternative phrases include "high usage" and "large-scale use", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overconsumption

Implies consuming something beyond what is necessary or healthy.

high usage

Focuses on the rate of use rather than the amount consumed.

excessive intake

Specifically refers to the act of taking something in, often related to food or drink.

large-scale use

Emphasizes the widespread application or utilization of something.

substantial utilization

Highlights the significant extent to which something is put to use.

intensive application

Suggests a concentrated or rigorous use of a resource or method.

rampant use

Suggests uncontrolled or widespread usage, often with negative connotations.

prodigious intake

Implies the intake is impressive or remarkable in size or degree.

extensive depletion

Suggests the consumption is causing significant reduction or exhaustion of resources.

wasteful expenditure

Implies that the consumption is not only high but also inefficient and unnecessary.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy consumption" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy consumption" to describe a large amount of something being used, for example, "The city's "heavy consumption" of water during the summer months leads to shortages".

What are some synonyms for "heavy consumption"?

Alternatives include "high usage", "excessive intake", or "large-scale use", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "heavy consumption"?

Not necessarily. While often associated with negative consequences like resource depletion, "heavy consumption" simply describes a large quantity. The implications depend on the context.

What's the difference between "overconsumption" and "heavy consumption"?

"Heavy consumption" indicates a large quantity being used, while "overconsumption" implies that the amount is excessive or unnecessary.