not too massive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not too massive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is relatively large but not excessively so, often in contexts where size is a consideration. Example: "The package was not too massive, making it easy to carry up the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If, for example, bacteria do find a portal of entry but the bacterial invasion is not too massive and the organisms are not too virulent, these phagocytic cells are capable of engulfing and destroying them before they can cause injury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The ribs are crisp, beautifully caramelized and not too sweet, a massive pile to be snipped into edible mouthfuls at the table with a pair of scissors, and again slightly resinous.

Los Angeles Times

Conducting unsanctioned statecraft as a private citizen doesn't seem like too massive an offense.

Huffington Post

It's a fucking continent, it's too massive not to.

Vice

I've received many responses from various organizations but not too many from the massive side like Bill and Melinda.

Huffington Post

Zoran Popovic, a computer scientist at the University of Washington who was a lead author of the paper, said, "If things go according to plan, not too long from now, such massive author lists should be commonplace".

The New York Times - Science

"I used to always believe that there had to be life someplace else because the universe is just too massive for there not to be.

Huffington Post

Alan J. Auerbach Economics professor University of California at Berkeley Taken as a whole, the Bush tax cut is not good economic policy, because it's too massive.

The New York Times

"To permanently relocate an NFL team to the UK is a massive," said Waller, not sounding remotely like somebody who thought it was too massive.

BBC

In particular this is interesting because there are not too many examples that uses plant culture cells for massive screenings based on fluorescence.

F1000Research

It's a massive opportunity ahead of me and one not too many Englishmen have done.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not too massive" to describe something of significant size, but not so large as to be unwieldy or overwhelming. This phrase is effective when you want to convey a sense of manageable largeness.

Common error

While "not too massive" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone. Consider alternatives like "moderately large" or "relatively sizable" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "not too massive" is to act as a qualifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its size as considerable but not excessive. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying nouns like 'invasion', 'offense', or even abstract concepts like 'challenge'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not too massive" serves as a useful qualifier, indicating considerable size without being overwhelming. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While suitable for general communication, more precise language may be preferable in highly formal or academic writing. Consider synonyms like ""moderately large"" or ""relatively sizable"" based on the specific context. The phrase’s neutral tone and broad applicability make it a versatile choice for expressing manageable largeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sizeable but not huge

Directly contrasts sizeable with huge, clarifying that the size is significant but not enormous.

not excessively large

Directly negates extreme largeness, focusing on avoiding being too big.

not overly huge

Emphasizes a size that avoids being excessively huge or gigantic.

moderately large

Emphasizes a size that is neither small nor excessively large.

somewhat big

Indicates a size that is above average but not extreme.

reasonably big

Indicates the size is acceptable or appropriate without being excessive.

relatively sizable

Highlights that the size is notable compared to something else, but not overwhelming.

fairly substantial

Suggests the size is considerable and significant, but still within reasonable bounds.

comparatively immense

Highlights that something is immense when compared to something else, but without implying it's absolutely massive.

within reasonable proportions

Indicates that the size is appropriate and balanced, avoiding excessive dimensions.

FAQs

What does "not too massive" mean?

The phrase "not too massive" means something is large or significant in size but not excessively so, implying it is manageable or within reasonable bounds.

How can I use "not too massive" in a sentence?

You can use "not too massive" to describe physical objects, abstract concepts, or amounts. For example, "The project was ambitious but "not excessively large", allowing the team to manage it effectively."

What are some alternatives to "not too massive"?

Alternatives include "moderately large", "somewhat big", "relatively sizable", or "not excessively large". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "not too massive" formal or informal?

The phrase "not too massive" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise language may be preferred.