much too large

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might write: "The cost of the vacation was much too large for my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The problem is much too large for a quick fix.

The New York Times

Those served are much too large and chewy.

The New York Times

This fan, though, is much too large to have been constructed by present-day rivers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That fall was much too large to be explained by demographic trends, such as the aging of the baby boomers.

The New Yorker

We have kept it for over a decade, even though it is much too large for our living room.

The New York Times

New Castle's supervisor, Barbara S. Gerrard, described the developer's first proposal as having been "much too large for our community".

The New York Times

The entrees followed and, as is so often the case, the servings were much too large for a normal appetite.

The New York Times

"I'm moderately lazy, and I'm interested in much too large a list of things other than my career".

The New York Times

She used to wear for the purpose a sneaker so much too large for that she could take a prehensile Piltdown grip on the ball.

The New Yorker

"These beautiful creatures are much too large and far too intelligent to be confined in small, concrete tanks for their entire lives".

Independent

One group — the group that got almost all the attention — declared that the stimulus was much too large, and would lead to disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using "much too large" on the overall tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "excessively large" or "prohibitively massive".

Common error

Avoid using "much too large" repeatedly in formal documents. While grammatically sound, the phrase can sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by employing alternatives such as "excessively large" or "unduly great" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much too large" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying the adjective "large". It emphasizes the degree to which something exceeds an acceptable or expected size. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and shows how the phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much too large" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something exceeds an acceptable size. Ludwig AI analysis validates its use in diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific writing. While highly versatile, consider adopting more formal alternatives such as "excessively large" in highly formal writing. As revealed by Ludwig, "much too large" effectively conveys that something's size is problematic or unsuited for a given purpose. By understanding its nuanced implications, you can use the phrase accurately and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively big

Focuses on the degree of bigness being beyond what is acceptable or normal.

overly sizable

Similar to "excessively big", but uses a more formal tone.

inordinately huge

Emphasizes the unexpected or disproportionate nature of the size.

prohibitively massive

Suggests the size is so great it presents an obstacle or prevents something.

unsuitably enormous

Highlights the inappropriateness of the size in a given situation.

way too big

An informal way to express that something is larger than desired.

considerably bulky

Focuses on the physical volume or mass, implying clumsiness or inconvenience.

disproportionately immense

Highlights that the size is out of balance with something else.

unduly great

Emphasizes the unfairness or inappropriateness of the extent or degree.

vastly oversized

Implies that the object is bigger than its standard or intended dimensions.

FAQs

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

The phrase "much too large" is used to indicate that something is excessively big, exceeding an acceptable or suitable size. For example, "The coat was "much too large" for her, swallowing her frame." or "The project scope was "much too large" to complete in one month".

What are some alternatives to "much too large"?

Alternatives to "much too large" include "excessively big", "overly sizable", or "inordinately huge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "far too large" or "much too large"?

Both "far too large" and "much too large" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence. "Far too large" might be slightly more emphatic, while "much too large" is arguably more common.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "much too large"?

While generally acceptable, "much too large" might sound less formal than desired in highly academic or business contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "prohibitively massive" or "disproportionately immense" in such situations.