the excess of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the excess of" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The excess of energy drinks can lead to adverse health effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The excess of it appalls me".

The New Yorker

The excess of plot leaves little room for character.

The Guardian - Film

The excess of television about food is totally absurd.

The Guardian - Arts

Writer was dismayed at the excess of chauvinism.

The New Yorker

Viewers are swamped by the excess of quality programming available.

Independent

Around the time, consumer protests against the excess of some reproductive technologies began.

The New York Times - Health

And those of the south, blinded by the excess of colour, abandon reason and produce monsters".

The Guardian - Books

The excess of food and presents around him began to make him feel guilty and unworthy.

The New Yorker

But the excess of Resolutions makes life unnecessarily complicated for the rest of us.

The Guardian - Business

That night I couldn't sleep, haunted by the excess of sunflower oil.

The Guardian - Opinion

This allowed for popular participation in government while avoiding what Hamilton called the "excess of democracy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the excess of", ensure that the noun following "of" is specific and clearly defines what is in abundance. For example, "the excess of caution" is more effective than just "the excess".

Common error

Avoid using "the excess of" when the subject of excess is unclear or undefined. For example, instead of saying "The excess was evident", specify what was excessive: "The excess of paperwork was evident."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the excess of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It typically introduces a noun that represents something existing in a quantity greater than what is necessary, desirable, or permissible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the excess of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates an overabundance or surplus of something. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, according to examples found using Ludwig. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is in excess. Consider alternatives like "the surplus of" or "the overabundance of" to fine-tune your meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-accepted in English writing, making it a reliable choice for expressing the concept of exceeding a necessary or desirable amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the surplus of

Replaces "excess" with "surplus", indicating an amount beyond what is needed. It is the most similar alternative.

the overabundance of

Substitutes "excess" with "overabundance", emphasizing a plentiful and possibly excessive quantity.

the oversupply of

Replaces "excess" with "oversupply", highlighting that there is more than what is required or can be used.

the glut of

Uses "glut" instead of "excess", suggesting a surplus that is so large it can be problematic.

the overproduction of

Replaces "excess" with "overproduction", focusing on the act of producing too much of something.

the surfeit of

Replaces "excess" with "surfeit", implying an excessive amount that leads to discomfort or distaste.

the overshoot of

Substitutes "excess" with "overshoot", suggesting that something has gone beyond its intended limit.

the hyperbole of

Replaces "excess" with "hyperbole", shifting the meaning to exaggeration or overstatement.

the exaggeration of

Uses "exaggeration" instead of "excess", highlighting the act of representing something as more than it actually is.

the speeding of

Replaces "excess" with "speeding", indicating something that moves excessively fast, typically in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "the excess of" to describe a quantity or degree that is more than what is necessary, desirable, or normal. For example, "The excess of rain caused flooding" or "The excess of enthusiasm worried her."

What are some alternatives to "the excess of"?

You can use alternatives like "the surplus of", "the overabundance of", or "the oversupply of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the excess of information"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "The excess of information" refers to an amount of information that is more than what is needed or can be easily processed.

What's the difference between "the excess of" and "too much"?

"The excess of" is typically used in more formal contexts to describe an amount beyond what is needed or appropriate. "Too much" is more informal and general, often indicating a negative consequence. For instance, you might say "the excess of bureaucracy" in a formal report, but "too much sugar" in a casual conversation.