too far

USAGE SUMMARY

'too far' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean that something has gone past a reasonable limit or degree. For example, "I'm afraid you've gone too far this time; there's no way I can forgive you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A concept too far?

Independent

Just not too far.

The New York Times - Sports

"They went too far".

The New York Times

They go too far.

The New Yorker

The step too far.

The New Yorker

A: Not too far.

The New York Times - Arts

A step too far?

Independent

JAMIE: Not too far.

The New Yorker

"It's too far away".

The Economist

It's much too far.

The New Yorker

"This was too far".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too far" to express that a limit has been exceeded or something has become excessive. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the acceptable limit is.

Common error

Avoid using "too far" without establishing a clear understanding of what constitutes the limit in a given situation. Without context, the phrase can be ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too far" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that an action or state has exceeded a reasonable or acceptable limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too far" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has exceeded a reasonable or acceptable limit. Ludwig AI validates its proper grammatical standing and frequent usage. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, carrying a neutral tone. When using "too far", ensure the context clearly defines the limit being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""over the line"" or ""beyond the pale"" can be used for nuanced expressions. The phrase's widespread usage across authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone too far

Uses a verb to describe an action that has exceeded a reasonable limit.

taken it too far

Indicates that an action or situation has been escalated beyond what is appropriate.

over the line

This idiom implies that a boundary has been crossed, often in terms of behavior or actions.

overdone it

Suggests an exaggeration or excessiveness in an activity or behavior.

beyond the pale

This idiom suggests something is unacceptable or outrageous, focusing on social boundaries.

out of bounds

This phrase indicates that something is beyond acceptable limits or rules.

pushed too hard

Implies excessive or undue pressure being applied.

reached the limit

Highlights the idea of a boundary or restriction being met or surpassed.

excessive

This adjective describes something that goes beyond what is considered normal, acceptable, or necessary.

unacceptable

This term indicates that something does not meet required standards and is thus not admissible or tolerable.

FAQs

How can I use "too far" in a sentence?

You can use "too far" to indicate that a boundary has been crossed or something has become excessive, such as, "His joke went "over the line" and was "beyond the pale"."

What are some alternative phrases for "too far"?

Alternatives include ""over the line"", ""beyond the pale"", or "excessive" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "too far"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's an adverbial phrase commonly used to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating the extent to which something has exceeded a limit.

What's the difference between "too far" and "very far"?

"Too far" implies that something has exceeded an acceptable or reasonable limit, whereas "very far" simply indicates a great distance.