little too much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little too much" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "a little too much." Example: "I think I've had a little too much coffee today."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe a little too much.

The New York Times

A little too much, maybe.

The New York Times

A little too much," the text continues.

The New York Times

A little too much, it turns out.

The New York Times

It's all a little too much.

The New York Times

Noticing it a little too much.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe a little too much red wine.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a little too much.

The New Yorker

"Drink a little too much?

The New York Times - Books

He was feted perhaps a little too much.

The Economist

A little too much for people?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase to indicate something excessive, consider adding "a" before "little" for grammatical correctness. For example, prefer saying "a little too much".

Common error

Ensure you include the article "a" before "little" to maintain grammatical accuracy. Omitting the article can make the phrase sound informal or incorrect in formal writing. Consider using alternatives such as "slightly excessive" or "somewhat inordinate" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little too much" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something is excessive or goes beyond what is appropriate. While Ludwig provides many examples of its usage, the grammatical status leans toward incorrect due to the missing article.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little too much" is a common expression used to indicate that something is slightly excessive. Despite its frequent appearance in various contexts, including News & Media sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect due to the missing article "a". According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "a little too much". When writing formally, it's advisable to include the article or opt for alternatives like "slightly excessive" or "a bit much" to ensure grammatical accuracy and maintain a polished tone. Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly excessive

Emphasizes a mild degree of excessiveness.

somewhat inordinate

Highlights that something is beyond the normal or acceptable limits to a degree.

a shade immoderate

Indicates a slight lack of restraint or moderation.

just a bit much

This more casual alternative suggests something is overwhelming.

a touch extreme

Implies a small degree of extremity.

rather overboard

Suggests something has gone beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

leaning toward excess

Indicates a tendency or inclination toward being excessive.

bordering on undue

Suggests something is approaching an inappropriate level.

verging on overkill

Implies something is close to being excessive to the point of being counterproductive.

pushing the boundaries

Suggests something is approaching or exceeding acceptable limits.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "little too much"?

While commonly used, "little too much" is technically incorrect in formal English. The grammatically correct version is "a little too much". You can also use "slightly excessive".

What does "little too much" mean?

The phrase "little too much" indicates that something is slightly excessive or goes beyond what is needed or appropriate. It suggests a mild overdoing of something.

How can I use "little too much" in a sentence?

While you can use "little too much", consider using "a little too much" for better grammar. For example: "I think I added a little too much salt to the soup." Or, "There's a little too much noise in here for me to concentrate".

What are some alternatives to saying "little too much"?

Alternatives to "little too much" include "slightly excessive", "a bit much", or "somewhat inordinate". The best choice depends on the specific context.