obsessive number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsessive number of" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used to describe an excessive or overwhelming quantity of something, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "He has an obsessive number of collectibles that take up most of his living space."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Perhaps someone annoys you by posting an obsessive number of status updates, or expresses himself in a way that you consider obnoxious?

The New York Times

ustave Flaubert has been the subject of a nearly obsessive number of biographies and critical studies, including Jean-Paul Sartre's outsized recreation of the writer's psychic life in '&apos The Family Idiot.'' Now Julian Barnes, a British novelist and journalist, has succumbed to the temptation to make Flaubert the central figure in a novel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Paul Klee was an obsessive numberer of his works and had strong views on how to exhibit them, so 73 years after his death he would presumably be delighted at the ethos behind a major show devoted to him opening on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Arts

Naturally Swift stole the night, taking home multiple trophies including the night's biggest honor, album of the year for her blockbuster pop coming-out, "1989". But even when she wasn't onstage, it was all about the singer, with a near-obsessive number of close-up shots throughout the night.

Los Angeles Times

Not surprising, then, that two Themes were obsessive in a number of films we saw.

The New Yorker

Although she had been irriitated by a number of obsessive fans, there was no current threat.

The Guardian

That seems to be obsessive with a small number of people.

The Guardian

It's reasonably comprehensive but there are such a number of obsessive Dylan fans out there to make corrections that I can't see very much wrong.

The Guardian - Tech

From the second century A.D. well into the 1800s, "addiction" described a disposition toward any number of obsessive behaviors, like excessive reading and writing or slavish devotion to a hobby.

The New York Times

Starting with this film, Godard, like a painter painting the same apples or model or coastline for twenty years, developed most of his full-length projects from increasingly complex elaborations of a small number of obsessive themes, ranging from the grandly philosophical to the painfully intimate.

The New Yorker

Nyman has written instantly identifiable highly charged scores for a number of obsessive Peter Greenaway films, and in a way The Glare is the imaginary soundtrack to an enigmatic, investigative Peter Greenaway docu-fantasy about the strange, hallucinatory nature of a sometimes quite banal news story, and the way even the most trivial and domestic of stories can take on the qualities of myth.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "obsessive number of" is understandable, consider using more common phrases like "excessive amount of" or "overwhelming number of" to improve clarity and readability. This substitution avoids potential ambiguity and enhances overall communication.

Common error

Avoid using "obsessive number of" in formal writing, where clarity and precision are paramount. Opt for alternatives like "significant quantity of" or "substantial amount of" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding colloquial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsessive number of" functions as a descriptive modifier, characterizing the extent or degree of something quantified. Ludwig shows examples in contexts where quantity is linked to a behavior viewed as excessive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obsessive number of" describes an excessive quantity and highlights a fixation on that quantity. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not standard English and recommends using more common alternatives like "excessive amount of" or "overwhelming number of" for increased clarity, especially in formal contexts. Ludwig's examples indicate the phrase appears in News & Media and science-related contexts, but with limited overall frequency. Therefore, while grammatically acceptable, mindful use of more conventional expressions can enhance writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming quantity of

Stresses the magnitude or impressiveness of the number.

excessive amount of

Focuses on the surplus or overabundance rather than the obsessive nature.

disproportionate number of

Highlights the lack of balance in quantity.

inordinate quantity of

Emphasizes the disproportionate size or scale.

exorbitant amount of

Focuses on the cost or impact of the quantity.

unreasonable amount of

Highlights the lack of justification or rationale behind the quantity.

pathological interest in many

Emphasizes the unhealthy or abnormal nature of the preoccupation.

compulsive accumulation of

Implies a driven, irresistible need to gather something.

extreme preoccupation with a plethora of

Focuses on the intensity of focus on a large number.

fixation on a multitude of

Shifts focus to a preoccupation with many items or elements.

FAQs

What does "obsessive number of" mean?

The phrase "obsessive number of" suggests a preoccupation with a quantity or count of something, often implying that the amount is excessive or unusual.

How can I use "obsessive number of" in a sentence?

You can use "obsessive number of" to describe someone's fixation on a specific amount. For example, "He has an "obsessive number of" collectibles that take up most of his living space."

Which is a better alternative to "obsessive number of"?

Alternatives to "obsessive number of" include "excessive amount of" or "overwhelming number of", which may sound more natural in common usage.

Is "obsessive number of" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "obsessive number of" isn't considered standard English. It's better to use "excessive amount of" or "overwhelming number of" for clearer communication.