make too much of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make too much of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is overemphasizing or exaggerating the importance of something. Example: "I think we shouldn't make too much of this minor setback; we can easily recover from it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Don't make too much of that.

The New York Times

We make too much of it".

The Guardian - Sport

Do they make too much of it?

The New York Times - Sports

I wouldn't make too much of it".

The New York Times - Sports

We can't make too much of it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Don't make too much of it.

The New York Times

"You shouldn't make too much of it".

The New York Times

One can make too much of that.

The New York Times

I don't want to make too much of the comparison.

The New Yorker

Of course one can make too much of this anniversary.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps we shouldn't make too much of the Washington survey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make too much of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being overemphasized. It helps to follow the phrase with a specific explanation or example to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make too much of" when you intend to express genuine concern or highlight legitimate importance. This phrase is best suited for instances where you believe something is being given undue attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make too much of" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing disagreement or caution against overemphasizing something. It suggests a belief that a particular issue, event, or detail is being given undue significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

General Communication

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make too much of" is a versatile expression used to caution against overemphasizing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its primary function is to downplay significance, often to maintain perspective. While common in news, sports, and general communication, it's less frequent in highly formal or scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that your context clearly defines what's being overemphasized to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "overstate the importance of" or "blow out of proportion" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Ultimately, mastering "make too much of" enhances your ability to communicate balanced perspectives and manage expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overstate the importance of

Focuses specifically on exaggerating the significance of something.

exaggerate the significance of

Similar to overstating, but with a stronger implication of deliberate inflation.

blow out of proportion

Suggests an unwarranted expansion of something's importance or impact.

magnify the problem

Implies increasing the perceived size or severity of an issue.

overemphasize the point

Highlights giving undue attention or weight to a particular aspect.

dramatize the situation

Adding theatrical or exaggerated elements to a situation.

get carried away

Losing perspective and becoming excessive in one's reaction or assessment.

build something up

Implies taking something not very big and growing it, in importance or value.

stress unduly

Places stress on something that does not necessarily need attention.

overthink the matter

Implies spending too much time pondering something that could be dealt with ease.

FAQs

How can I use "make too much of" in a sentence?

Use "make too much of" to suggest that something is being given more importance than it deserves. For example, "I think we shouldn't "make too much of" this minor setback; we can easily recover from it."

What are some alternatives to "make too much of"?

Alternatives include "overstate the importance of", "exaggerate the significance of", or "blow out of proportion". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "making too much of"?

Yes, "making too much of" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct when used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example, "He is making too much of a fuss about the broken vase."

What's the difference between "make too much of" and "make a big deal out of"?

"Make too much of" is generally used to suggest that someone is exaggerating the importance of something, while "make a big deal out of" implies creating unnecessary drama or fuss. While similar, the latter has a stronger connotation of creating a disturbance.