take too much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take too much" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is excessive or more than what is reasonable or acceptable. Example: "I often worry that I take too much on my plate, leaving little time for myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

4. Don't take too much.

Columbia University

I sometimes take too much echinacea.

The Guardian

It will take too much time.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, managers may take too much risk.

Columbia University

The owners are careful not to take too much credit.

The New York Times

"I've always felt that people can't take too much reality.

The New Yorker

"We don't take too much notice of that statistic.

Independent

Vetting him did not take too much time.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't take too much credit for the transformation.

Independent

My brother would take too much of the squash.

Independent

"You take too much on yourself," Pop was always saying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, be specific about what they should avoid taking too much of. For example, "Don't "take too much" credit for a team effort" is clearer than just "Don't "take too much"."

Common error

Avoid using "take too much" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "The process "takes too much" time", consider "The process consumes excessive time" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take too much" functions as a verb phrase expressing excess or overindulgence. It commonly indicates that an individual or entity is exceeding a reasonable or acceptable limit with respect to a particular resource, action, or responsibility. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is versatile and can be adapted across numerous scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take too much" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote excess or overindulgence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is versatile and widely applicable across varied contexts, from news reports and academic writing to casual conversations. It is crucial to specify what is being taken to avoid ambiguity. While generally acceptable, a more formal wording may be needed for specific formal and scientific usage. Remember, as the examples shown on Ludwig emphasize, moderation is key!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overdo it

Emphasizes exceeding a reasonable limit, focusing on the action's intensity.

exceed limits

Highlights surpassing established boundaries, suggesting a transgression.

go overboard

Implies taking something to an extreme, often with negative consequences.

bite off more than you can chew

Focuses on assuming excessive responsibility or tasks, leading to potential failure.

spread yourself too thin

Highlights the consequences of dividing one's resources or attention among too many activities.

overextend oneself

Stresses pushing one's capabilities or resources beyond a sustainable level.

go to excess

Implies indulging in something beyond what is necessary or healthy.

be excessive

Emphasizes the quality of being beyond what is reasonable or necessary.

be immoderate

Highlights a lack of restraint or moderation, often in behavior or consumption.

overindulge in

Focuses on giving oneself too much of something pleasurable, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take too much" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you might replace "take too much" with phrases like "excessively consume", "overutilize", or "disproportionately allocate". The best choice depends on the specific context and what is being taken in excess.

What is a common mistake to avoid when using "take too much"?

A frequent error is using "take too much" without specifying what is being taken too much of. Always ensure the context clearly indicates the object of the excess to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify if you mean "take too much time" or "take too much credit".

Which is more appropriate, "take too much" or "take too many"?

Use "take too much" with uncountable nouns (e.g., time, effort, risk) and "take too many" with countable nouns (e.g., pills, breaks, chances). For example, "take too much time" versus "take too many breaks".

What's the difference between "take too much" and "overdo it"?

"Take too much" generally refers to quantity or degree, while "overdo it" often implies excessive action or effort. You might "take too much" food, but you "overdo it" at the gym.