relatively too much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively too much" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is generally used to express an excessive amount in comparison to something else, but the combination of "relatively" and "too much" is contradictory. Example: "The project requires relatively too much time to complete, which is not feasible."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Digitalis has a relatively narrow therapeutic range: too much is toxic and can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even these relatively measured campaigns proved too much for party leaders, who are wary of any challenges that could swell into outright opposition.

The New York Times

"But the idea here is to create a neutral, relatively uniform backdrop without too much opportunity for contextualization, so that visitors will not think too much about when something was made, but make their own connections and see things play off of each other".

The New York Times - Arts

The new developed pattern should be capable of not only capturing different characteristics for each group but also maintaining a relatively steady form without too much unexpected random variations.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In a way, SeatGeek has been offering this since last fall, when it launched a marketplace for users to sell and transfer their tickets — the marketplace would even recommend a price, one where the ticket could be sold relatively quickly without leaving too much money on the table.

TechCrunch

Although there will always be more methods that one could consider and the full intricacies of a method cannot be summarized in a few sentences, the authors nevertheless provide a relatively reasonable overview without too much complicated details which is rare to find in style of a side by side comparison of multiple methods.

Biology Direct

When the entry threat will occur relatively soon, and/or the cost to enter is relatively small, entry deterrence requires too much investments to be profitable.

European Journal of Operational Research

In past, less severe downturns, Mr. Collins said, more companies faced the relatively simple problem of owing too much money.

The New York Times

Yet the growing evidence about aid suffers from the same problem as aid itself: it focuses far too much on relatively stable countries, with fewer than 100 impact evaluations conducted in crisis-affected places.

The Guardian - Opinion

People speak about glandular conditions, they claim to be big-boned but the facts are relatively straightforward: eat and drink too much and don't work it off and you'll get fatter.

The Guardian

It is an inescapably subjective process which has helped us survive but which sometimes gets us into more trouble, because we often worry too much about relatively smaller risks, or not enough about bigger ones, and make choices that feel right, but actually create new risks all by themselves.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "relatively too much" in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "somewhat excessive" or "comparatively inordinate" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

A common error is combining "relatively" with expressions of absoluteness like "too much". "Relatively" implies a comparison, while "too much" suggests an exceeding of a limit. These can create logical contradictions. Instead, consider using "excessively" or rewording to make the comparison explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively too much" attempts to modify a quantity or degree. The term "relatively" suggests a comparison, but Ludwig AI identifies that combining it directly with "too much" creates a grammatically awkward and logically questionable construction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while understandable, the phrase "relatively too much" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and awkward in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the combination of "relatively", implying comparison, with "too much", indicating an excess, results in a questionable construction. It's advisable to use clearer and more precise alternatives like "somewhat excessive" or "comparatively inordinate", especially in formal writing. The selection of a replacement should consider the specific context to achieve the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively excessive amount

Directly points out the abundance in comparison.

somewhat excessive

Indicates a degree of excess that is moderate but noticeable.

somewhat of an overabundance

Describes a quantity that exceeds what is needed or expected.

comparatively inordinate

Highlights a disproportionate amount when compared to something else.

slightly disproportionate

Emphasizes the imbalance more than the sheer quantity.

moderately superfluous

Suggests something is beyond what's necessary, but not drastically so.

rather extreme

Indicates that something is beyond the norm or reasonable limits.

marginally exorbitant

Highlights an cost or expense that is beyond what is considered fair or reasonable.

a bit much

An informal way of saying that something is excessive or inappropriate.

comparatively high

Points out that something is elevated when placed in comparison with something else.

FAQs

Is the phrase "relatively too much" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the phrase "relatively too much" is not considered standard English. It's generally better to use alternatives that clearly indicate comparison or excess without creating an awkward construction.

What are some alternatives to "relatively too much"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat excessive", "comparatively inordinate", or "a bit much". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I make a comparison when something is excessive?

Instead of saying "relatively too much", try making the comparison explicit. For example, instead of "The cost was relatively too much", say "The cost was excessively high compared to the benefits".

When is it appropriate to use "a bit much"?

The phrase "a bit much" is informal and best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In academic or professional contexts, opt for more precise and formal language.