somewhat excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more than what is considered reasonable or necessary, but not to an extreme degree. Example: "The amount of food at the party was somewhat excessive, leaving many guests with leftovers to take home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Nick Bubb, a veteran independent retail analyst, said the company's valuation "seems somewhat excessive".

The Guardian - Business

Even for a cheerleader for democracy like me, this is somewhat excessive.

The Times

On the whole his somewhat excessive zeal had a wholesome effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the 90% of the population who do not suffer from insomnia, this might seem somewhat excessive.

The Guardian - Travel

But to make the same mistake 38 times in the coverage of one story seems, to put it mildly, somewhat excessive.

The Guardian

I learned that the paranoid personality may pass relatively undisturbed through a long and productive lifetime, manifesting itself only in subtle traits of behavior: a somewhat excessive secrecy and suspicion, a need for control over the external world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Can the somewhat-excessive fees of American universities, as some put it, be justified?

The New Yorker

Pretty excessive stuff.

TechCrunch

I Am Fire has the kind of tricksy rhythms that could act as an R&B click-track, compromised somewhat by excessive calm on the verses.

The Guardian - Music

If the opening weekend number of $30 million feels disappointing, it's only because of the film's excessive cost (about $200 million to make, probably another $100 million to market) and somewhat unreasonable expectations.

Huffington Post

Fresnel lenses concentrate the light beam somewhat and prevent excessive light loss around the sides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat excessive" to describe situations where something exceeds the norm but isn't outrageous. It's ideal for nuanced criticism or measured observations.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat excessive" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat excessive" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It indicates that something exceeds a reasonable or expected level, but not to a great extent. Ludwig shows various contexts in which it is used to qualify opinions or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat excessive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is more than necessary or reasonable, but not to an extreme degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. It's important to consider the nuances of this phrase and use it in situations where you want to express a moderate level of excess without sounding overly critical or harsh. Consider alternatives like "rather excessive" or "slightly excessive" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather excessive

Indicates a slightly higher degree of excessiveness than "somewhat excessive".

slightly excessive

Emphasizes the small degree by which something exceeds what is necessary.

a bit excessive

A more informal way of saying something is slightly too much.

moderately excessive

Highlights the balanced level of excessiveness, being neither too little nor too much.

somewhat inordinate

Replaces "excessive" with "inordinate", suggesting an exceeding of reasonable limits or degree.

marginally excessive

Suggests the excessiveness is only just noticeable or relevant.

a touch excessive

A more gentle and understated way of indicating excessiveness.

a little too much

Informal way of saying something has slightly passed the limit.

somewhat unreasonable

Shifts the focus from quantity to the appropriateness of the amount.

relatively excessive

The degree of excessiveness is compared to a relative scale or benchmark.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat excessive" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat excessive" to describe something that exceeds what's considered reasonable or necessary, but not extremely. For instance, "The decorations for the party were "rather excessive"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "somewhat excessive"?

Alternatives include "slightly excessive", "a bit excessive", or "moderately excessive", depending on the specific degree you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat excessive" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat excessive" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more precise term might be preferable, but the phrase itself is grammatically sound and widely understood.

What's the difference between "somewhat excessive" and "very excessive"?

"Somewhat excessive" indicates a moderate degree of excess, while "very excessive" implies a much higher degree. Use "somewhat" when the excess is noticeable but not extreme, and "very" when the excess is significant and impactful.