too intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively strong or extreme, often in terms of emotions, experiences, or situations. Example: "The movie was too intense for me; I found it hard to watch without feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It becomes too intense.

The New York Times

It's been too intense.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just too intense".

The New York Times

Swarthmore? "You're too intense already".

The New York Times

"It was getting too intense," he wrote.

The New Yorker

Too intense: Here they went again.

The New Yorker

It's just too intense for people".

The New York Times - Style

"He's very intense now, almost too intense.

The New York Times - Sports

Like tea rose — too sweet, too intense.

The New Yorker

"It would be much too intense".

The New York Times

It was too intense," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too intense" to describe emotions or personal interactions that are overwhelming or uncomfortable. For example, "His reaction was too intense for such a minor issue."

Common error

While "too intense" is widely understood, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Try swapping it with synonyms such as "overly strong", "excessive", or more specific descriptors like "overwhelming" or "unbearable", depending on the context to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too intense" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something exceeds a comfortable or acceptable level of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express that something is excessively strong or extreme. Examples show it describing emotions, experiences, and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too intense" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something exceeding a comfortable or acceptable level of intensity. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness across various contexts, from describing flavors to emotional experiences. Its frequent use in news and media suggests a neutral register, though more formal settings might benefit from more precise synonyms. When using "too intense", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose alternative phrases like "overly strong" or "extremely overwhelming" for added clarity. Avoid overusing it in formal writing to maintain a diverse and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly strong

Replaces "intense" with "strong", emphasizing the degree of force or power.

excessively powerful

Substitutes "intense" with "powerful", highlighting an extreme level of influence or effect.

extremely overwhelming

Focuses on the effect of being overpowered, rather than the intensity itself.

unbearably strong

Emphasizes the inability to endure the level of intensity.

excessively dramatic

Highlights the over-the-top nature of a situation or behavior.

incredibly forceful

Replaces "intense" with "forceful", underscoring the strength and impact.

uncomfortably extreme

Indicates that the level of intensity is causing discomfort.

prohibitively rigorous

Implies that the intensity is creating an obstacle or barrier.

over the top

This idiom indicates something is excessive and beyond what's considered appropriate.

beyond endurance

This emphasizes the limit of one's capacity to withstand the intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "too intense" to describe experiences, emotions, or situations that are excessively strong or extreme. For example, "The pressure at work was "too intense", leading to burnout" or "The flavor was "too intense" for my liking".

What are some alternatives to saying "too intense"?

Alternatives include "overly strong", "excessively powerful", "extremely overwhelming", or "unbearably strong". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "too intense" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "too intense" in various writing styles, from informal to neutral, to convey that something is beyond a comfortable or manageable level. However, consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional contexts, if more precision is needed.

Is "too intense" subjective, or can it be objectively measured?

The perception of something being ""too intense"" often has a subjective element, as it depends on individual tolerance and preferences. However, in some contexts, like scientific studies, intensity can be objectively measured (e.g., the intensity of light or sound).