inordinate sum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate sum of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or unreasonable amount of something, often in a financial context. Example: "The project required an inordinate sum of money, far exceeding our initial budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

HP has learned that lesson all too well — after having spent an inordinate sum of money to throw their hat into the smartphone and tablet ring with webOS, they pulled the plug in what seems like record time.

TechCrunch

(Ironically, on the last day of production of Lady, he paid me an inordinate sum of money for the right to claim an executive producer credit on the picture, which for various reasons he richly deserved).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For example, in South Africa, where sex work has been illegal since the former apartheid regime criminalized it in 1957, police officers often fine sex workers inordinate sums of money and pocket the cash, resulting in a pattern of economic extortion of sex workers by state agents.

Huffington Post

PHYSICISTS are often accused by the public and other scientists of spending inordinate sums on fancy kit that does little apart from merely satisfying human curiosity.

The Economist

I will be 30 this year, and am wondering about the wisdom of spending inordinate sums on clothes that are quickly ushered to consignment boutiques.

The New York Times - Style

Our fascination with human beings who earn inordinate sums and seem to live in a privileged netherworld of their own is often tinged with resentment.

Independent

THE NEW YORKER: Everyone's having an inordinate amount of fun.

The New Yorker

People are under an inordinate amount of stress.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is an inordinate amount of vacant land.

The New York Times - Arts

The Lakers showcase an inordinate amount of depth.

The New York Times

Our customers give us an inordinate amount of data.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inordinate sum of", ensure the context clearly indicates that the amount is disproportionate or excessive relative to a reasonable expectation or norm.

Common error

Avoid using "inordinate sum of" when the amount is simply large but justifiable. Reserve it for situations where the amount is truly excessive or unwarranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate sum of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun (usually "money" or a similar term) to indicate a quantity that is excessive or unreasonable. It serves to emphasize the disproportionate nature of the amount, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate sum of" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote an excessive or disproportionate amount of money. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the implication of excessiveness rather than mere largeness. Alternatives like "exorbitant amount of money" or "excessive quantity of funds" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant amount of money

Emphasizes the excessive and often unfair cost involved.

excessive quantity of funds

Highlights the surplus and overabundance of financial resources.

unreasonable amount of capital

Focuses on the unjustified nature of the financial quantity.

substantial financial outlay

Emphasizes the significant expenditure or investment made.

large monetary contribution

Highlights the significant donation or payment provided.

considerable expenditure of funds

Focuses on the substantial spending and resource allocation.

significant financial investment

Highlights the importance of the financial resources invested.

massive injection of cash

Emphasizes the substantial and sudden inflow of financial resources.

inflated price

Highlights the amount to pay and the fact of paying an overpriced price

prohibitive costs

Focuses on how the elevated prices have an impact on the buyer side, stopping them to buy.

FAQs

How can I use "inordinate sum of" in a sentence?

You can use "inordinate sum of" to describe an excessive amount of money spent or required for something. For example, "The project required an "inordinate sum of" money, far exceeding our initial budget."

What can I say instead of "inordinate sum of"?

You can use alternatives like "exorbitant amount of money", "excessive quantity of funds", or "unreasonable amount of capital" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "inordinate amount of" instead of "inordinate sum of"?

While "inordinate amount of" is commonly used, "inordinate sum of" specifically refers to money or financial resources. The appropriateness depends on the context; "amount" is broader and can refer to non-financial quantities.

What is the difference between "inordinate sum of" and "large amount of"?

"Inordinate sum of" implies that the amount is not only large but also excessive, disproportionate, or unreasonable. "Large amount of" simply indicates a significant quantity without necessarily implying excessiveness.