of much envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of much envy" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something is a source of significant envy. Example: "Her lavish lifestyle is often the subject of much envy among her peers."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was the object of much envy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those who left Pakistan will often be more affluent than their neighbours back home, and the absentee landlord becomes the object of much envy for neighbours.

The Guardian - Books

But the person who can cut a hedge as vertical as a plumb line, and get it to look green all the way down, is the subject of much envy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although previously there had been much envy of Japan abroad (and serious talk of protectionist measures), in the new circumstances American and European trade negotiators switched to feeling sorry for the "fallen giant".

The New York Times

And, of course, some posters could not resist anonymously blaming William H. Gates, the man whose power and wealth as chairman of Microsoft inspires as much envy as admiration.

The New York Times

Then, the Philippines watched with much envy the likes of Malaysia and Thailand overtaking it.

Huffington Post

The life of a choral composer does not elicit much envy these days.

The New York Times - Arts

Others of that trade, if they are honest, very much envy his extraordinary gift for explicating difficult subjects.

Independent

I need a bunch of people falling all over each other with so much envy and bickering and so little action.' The parasite must be laughing". .

Science Magazine

Many of these famous individuals will have lives, opportunities and accomplishments we very much envy, and ultimately, some will not.

Huffington Post

And those who do go for it and take a grown-up gap year are much envied by those of us worrying about paying off this summer's 10 days in Cornwall.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using more common and direct alternatives like "the envy of many" or "subject to considerable envy" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "of much envy" in overly formal writing. It can sound stilted. Opt for simpler and more direct phrasing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of much envy" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to modify a noun, indicating that the noun is the object or cause of significant envy. Ludwig provides examples where it describes situations or possessions that others desire.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of much envy" is a grammatically acceptable prepositional phrase that indicates something is a source of significant envy. While correct, it's relatively rare. It appears most often in news and scientific contexts. As Ludwig suggests, consider using more common alternatives like "the envy of many" or "subject to considerable envy" for clarity. While "of much envy" is understood, these alternatives may provide a more natural and direct expression. Due to its uncommon usage, overuse in formal writing may sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to considerable envy

Emphasizes the degree of envy experienced.

object of great envy

Highlights the intensity and focus of the envy.

cause of significant envy

Shifts the focus to the thing causing the envy.

source of intense envy

Focuses on the emotional intensity of the envy.

the envy of many

Indicates widespread envy among a group.

much admired

Implies a positive emotion that might be related to envy.

highly coveted

Focuses on the desire others have for something.

widely desired

Emphasizes how much something is wanted by others.

the inspiration for envy

Highlights something as the reason envy exists.

a matter of envy

States that something provokes envy.

FAQs

What does "of much envy" mean?

The phrase "of much envy" means that something or someone is the object of considerable jealousy or longing. It suggests that others greatly desire what is possessed.

What are some alternatives to "of much envy"?

You can use alternatives like "subject to considerable envy", "the envy of many", or "cause of significant envy" depending on the context.

Is "of much envy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "of much envy" is grammatically correct, although it is not the most common or natural-sounding phrasing. Ludwig AI suggests that it is acceptable but other phrasings are clearer and more common.

How can I use "of much envy" in a sentence?

You can use "of much envy" to describe someone or something that others are jealous of. For example, "Her success became the subject of much envy among her colleagues."