symbol of excess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "symbol of excess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that represents or embodies an abundance or overindulgence in a particular context. Example: "The lavish mansion became a symbol of excess in the affluent neighborhood, showcasing the owner's extravagant lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The region became a symbol of excess.

The New York Times

Shareholders see them as a symbol of excess.

The Economist

On the 25th anniversary of its opening, it endures only as a period symbol of excess.

The New York Times

Mr. Bloomberg has made city cars a symbol of excess in tough times.

The New York Times

While beer is often tolerated, gin has been used as a potent symbol of excess.

Independent

The shoes became a symbol of excess in a nation where many still walked around barefoot in abject poverty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I lumped Notre Dame in with Kentucky basketball and Bob Knight's Indiana Hoosiers as symbols of excess.

The New York Times - Sports

Bankers have become symbols of excess and greed, making the politics of pouring more money into propping up Wall Street and the financial system that much trickier.

The New York Times

In one of many bursts of narrative bravado, he describes the outer borough's desire to see the Yankees, those symbols of excess, taken down by the working-class underdogs: "Roger Clemens enters the batter's box.

The New York Times - Books

Emboldened by such promises, Chinese Internet sites and newspapers have published a spate of accusations about officials and associates exploiting their illicit wealth and connections to acquire luxury-brand watches, expensive four-wheel-drive vehicles and other symbols of excess.

The New York Times

The rest were scrapped as unacceptable symbols of excess in an era of wartime austerity.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "symbol of excess", consider the specific type of excess you want to convey. Is it about wealth, consumption, or something else? Choose examples that clearly illustrate that particular excess.

Common error

Avoid using "symbol of excess" repeatedly to describe similar situations. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "emblem of extravagance" or "sign of overindulgence" to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbol of excess" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that represents or embodies an excessive quality or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "symbol of excess" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes something representing overabundance or extravagance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral to critical tone. To enhance writing, consider the specific type of excess and use synonyms like "emblem of extravagance" or "sign of overindulgence" to maintain engagement. While grammatically sound and widely used, be mindful of overusing the phrase in similar contexts to prevent redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emblem of extravagance

Replaces "excess" with "extravagance", focusing on lavishness.

sign of overindulgence

Substitutes "symbol" with "sign" and "excess" with "overindulgence", highlighting the act of indulging excessively.

representation of superfluity

Uses more formal language, with "superfluity" denoting an unnecessary or excessive amount.

manifestation of immoderation

Emphasizes a lack of restraint, replacing "excess" with "immoderation".

badge of intemperance

Implies a lack of self-control, with "intemperance" suggesting unrestrained behavior.

epitome of lavishness

Focuses on extreme richness and luxury, with "lavishness" being the key attribute.

token of surfeit

Uses "surfeit" to indicate an excessive amount, often to the point of causing disgust.

indicator of wastefulness

Highlights the aspect of wasting resources, shifting the focus to inefficient use.

evidence of glut

Points to an oversupply or abundance, using "glut" to suggest an excessive amount that exceeds demand.

marker of profligacy

Stresses recklessness and wastefulness in spending, with "profligacy" denoting extravagant behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "symbol of excess" in a sentence?

You can use "symbol of excess" to describe something that represents an overabundance or extravagance, such as "The mansion became a "symbol of excess", showcasing the owner's extravagant lifestyle".

What are some alternatives to "symbol of excess"?

Alternatives include phrases like "emblem of extravagance", "sign of overindulgence", or "representation of superfluity", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "symbol of excess" most commonly used?

"Symbol of excess" is often used in contexts related to economics, politics, and social commentary, particularly when discussing wealth inequality or extravagant spending.

What is the difference between "symbol of excess" and "luxury item"?

While a "luxury item" is simply something expensive and desirable, a ""symbol of excess"" represents a broader concept of overindulgence and wastefulness, often carrying negative connotations.