it was excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, action, or behavior that goes beyond what is considered reasonable or necessary. Example: "The amount of food at the party was overwhelming; it was excessive and led to a lot of waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It was — excessive.

The New Yorker

"I think it was excessive.

The Guardian

For some critics, it was excessive.

The Guardian

For example, the violence: yes, it was excessive.

The New Yorker

Did Mr. Ovitz ever feel it was excessive?

The New Yorker

They thought it was excessive and over-emotional.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Yet it is excessive, and, in the end, cannot quite carry its own abundance.

The Economist

"It is excessive," Mr. Watts said.

The New York Times

"It's excessive," one says.

The New Yorker

It is excessive if not obsessive.

The New York Times

"It's excessive," Mr. Tonko said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was excessive" to describe situations where something goes beyond reasonable or necessary limits. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific nuance you want to convey to select a different expression.

Common error

Avoid using "it was excessive" without providing specific details about what you are referring to. Vague usage can make your writing less clear and impactful. For example, instead of saying "The reaction was excessive", specify "The police response was excessive force" to provide more context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was excessive" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a judgment that something exceeded acceptable or reasonable limits. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used across various contexts to denote disapproval or criticism of the degree or intensity of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was excessive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has exceeded reasonable limits. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. Consider alternatives like "it was too much" or "it was over the top" depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that it aligns with the tone and purpose of your writing, and be prepared to offer supporting details to strengthen your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was too much

A simpler alternative emphasizing that the quantity or intensity was beyond what was needed or acceptable.

it was unreasonable

Indicates that the action or decision did not align with logical or fair thinking.

it was over the top

This alternative suggests the action or behavior was exaggerated and inappropriate for the situation.

it was extreme

Highlights the action was far from moderate or average in intensity or degree.

it was disproportionate

Indicates that the response or action was not in scale with the original issue.

it was needless

Highlights that the action was unnecessary and served no useful purpose.

it was unwarranted

Emphasizes that there was no justification for the action taken.

it was beyond the pale

Suggests the action was highly inappropriate or unacceptable, crossing moral or ethical boundaries.

it was immoderate

Suggests a lack of restraint or self-control, leading to excess.

it was gratuitous

Implies the action was uncalled for and lacked a legitimate purpose.

FAQs

What does "it was excessive" mean?

The phrase "it was excessive" indicates that something went beyond what is considered reasonable, necessary, or appropriate. It implies an overabundance or an unnecessary degree of something.

How can I use "it was excessive" in a sentence?

You can use "it was excessive" to describe a wide range of situations. For example: "The party decorations were beautiful, but "it was over the top"." Or: "The amount of homework our teacher gave us this week "it was unreasonable".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was excessive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was too much", "it was unnecessary", or "it was disproportionate".

When is it appropriate to use "it was excessive"?

It's appropriate to use "it was excessive" when you want to express that something exceeded reasonable limits. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure that the phrase aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. For formal writing, "it was unwarranted" might be a better fit.