not extravagant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not extravagant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simple, modest, or not overly elaborate or costly. Example: "The wedding was beautiful but not extravagant, focusing on meaningful moments rather than lavish decorations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are not extravagant.

The Economist

Mr. Murfi's writerly gifts are not extravagant.

The New York Times

Everyone tells me I'm not extravagant enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are rather simple accommodations, not extravagant at all".

Independent

It is not extravagant to suggest that the alliance they forged was a political marriage.

The New York Times

(Berke's Web site describes her work as "simple, not simplistic; elegant, not extravagant; luxurious, not lavish").

The New Yorker

Not extravagant at all — just a small not very expensive bouquet".

Independent

However, the Royal Courts of Justice disagreed and said the charge was "not extravagant or unconscionable".

Independent

He was challenging an Appeal Court decision that the penalty was "not extravagant or unconscionable".

Independent

"I'm not extravagant; two-thirds of my salary is rent, utilities, council tax and so on.

The Guardian

"What may be extravagant to somebody is not extravagant to somebody else".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In architectural or design contexts, "not extravagant" suggests a focus on functionality and understated elegance, rather than ostentatious displays.

Common error

While "not extravagant" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "modest" or "economical" in highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not extravagant" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify nouns and describe something that lacks excessive or unnecessary embellishment or expense. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not extravagant" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is moderate, reasonable, or practical, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is particularly common in news and media, but also appears in formal and business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "modest" or "economical" in certain situations. Alternatives such as "modest", "unassuming", and "simple" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest

Simpler in word choice; focuses on humility and lack of pretension.

unassuming

Emphasizes a lack of outward show or pretension.

unpretentious

Highlights a lack of ostentation and a down-to-earth quality.

simple

Highlights plainness and lack of complexity or ornamentation.

frugal

Focuses on being economical and avoiding wastefulness.

economical

Stresses the efficient use of resources and avoidance of unnecessary expense.

restrained

Implies a deliberate control over spending or display.

sensible

Suggests practicality and good judgment in financial matters.

reasonable

Implies fairness and moderation in cost or expenditure.

moderate

Indicates a middle-ground approach, avoiding extremes in spending or display.

FAQs

How can I use "not extravagant" in a sentence?

You can use "not extravagant" to describe something that is moderate or reasonable in cost or appearance. For example, "The wedding was beautiful but "not extravagant", focusing on meaningful moments rather than lavish decorations."

What are some alternatives to "not extravagant"?

Alternatives to "not extravagant" include "modest", "unassuming", "simple", or "frugal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "not extravagant"?

When something is described as "not extravagant", it means that it is not excessive, lavish, or wasteful. It suggests a sense of moderation and practicality.

Is "not extravagant" a formal or informal way to describe something?

"Not extravagant" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for most contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for alternatives like "economical" or "modest".