the surfeit of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the surfeit of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive amount of something, often in a negative context. Example: "The surfeit of information available online can be overwhelming for students trying to conduct research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The surfeit of odors made one giddy.

The New Yorker

Pack away the surfeit of cuddly toys and dolls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The surfeit of dog collars proved false allies.

The Guardian - Sport

The surfeit of companies makes it hard to generalize about the industry's direction.

The New York Times

Though wonderfully evocative, the surfeit of description in "The More I Owe You" overwhelms its characters.

The New York Times - Books

The food can be impressive; the surfeit of cardboard packaging rather less so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The surfeit of allowances also suggested that Europe was not cutting its emissions very dramatically.

The Economist

The surfeit of scary images, be they falling buildings or weeping stockbrokers, stokes panic.

The New York Times - Arts

Some sequences, such as the song about the surfeit of directions to point in, seem arbitrary.

The Guardian

The surfeit of such meetings reflects a tense trans-Atlantic contest over the global economy.

The New York Times

The op-ed columnists clumsily reaching for a GoT metaphor in the surfeit of Democratic 2020 hopefuls.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the surfeit of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being overabundant and whether this is perceived positively or negatively. The phrase often implies a negative consequence of having too much.

Common error

Avoid using "the surfeit of" when you intend to express a purely positive abundance. While "surfeit" simply means excess, it often carries a negative implication. Use phrases like "the abundance of" or "the wealth of" for positive contexts instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the surfeit of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the concept of an excessive amount of something, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the surfeit of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for denoting an excess or overabundance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it often carries a negative connotation, so be mindful of the context. Consider alternatives like "the excess of" or "the abundance of" for more neutral or positive connotations. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business writing, it maintains a neutral to formal register, ensuring suitability for professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the excess of

This alternative is more direct and commonly used to express an amount beyond what is necessary or desirable.

an excess of

Similar to "the excess of", but with a slightly less formal tone and a different grammatical structure.

the abundance of

This alternative suggests a plentiful or overflowing quantity, often with a positive connotation.

an abundance of

Similar to "the abundance of", but with a slightly less formal tone and a different grammatical structure.

the overabundance of

This alternative emphasizes the excessive nature of the quantity, making it more emphatic than "the abundance of".

an overabundance of

Similar to "the overabundance of", but with a slightly less formal tone and a different grammatical structure.

the plethora of

This alternative is slightly more formal and suggests a wide variety in addition to a large quantity.

the profusion of

This alternative implies an extravagant or unrestrained amount, often used in a literary context.

the glut of

This alternative suggests an excessive supply that can lead to lower prices or other negative consequences.

the oversupply of

This alternative focuses on the economic aspect of having too much of something available.

FAQs

What does "the surfeit of" mean?

The phrase "the surfeit of" means an excessive amount or overabundance of something. It often implies that there is too much of something, sometimes to the point of being undesirable or problematic.

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

You can use "the surfeit of" to describe situations where there is an excess of something. For example: "The town suffered from "the surfeit of" tourists during the summer months" or "The surfeit of information online can be overwhelming."

What are some alternatives to "the surfeit of"?

Some alternatives to "the surfeit of" include "the excess of", "the abundance of", "the plethora of", or "the glut of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the surfeit of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the surfeit of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a sophisticated way to express an excess or overabundance and is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and business contexts.