too many

USAGE SUMMARY

"too many" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an excessive amount of something. Example: I have too many chairs in my living room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Too many steals, too many layups.

The New York Times

Too many boats, too many empty nets.

The Economist

"Too many vendors".

The New York Times

Too many, in fact.

The New York Times

Too many English fans.

The New York Times - Sports

"Too many to count.

The New York Times - Sports

Far too many died.

The New York Times

Too many potential eavesdroppers.

The New York Times

Too many, I'm certain.

The New Yorker

Too too many things.

The New York Times

Too many brothel scenes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too many", ensure that the noun it modifies is countable. For uncountable nouns, use "too much".

Common error

Avoid using "too many" with uncountable nouns. The correct phrase for uncountable nouns is "too much". For example, say "too much water" instead of "too many water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too many" functions as a determiner, specifically indicating an excessive quantity of a countable noun. Ludwig's AI confirms this, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided where it precedes countable nouns like "cars", "people", and "books".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too many" is a determiner phrase used to express an excessive quantity of countable nouns. As Ludwig accurately indicates, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to use "too much" with uncountable nouns. Using alternatives such as "excessive number of" may enhance formality in certain situations. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly use "too many" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too much

Similar in meaning, but typically used with uncountable nouns.

excessive number of

This alternative emphasizes the exceeding of a normal or acceptable limit.

an overabundance of

Emphasizes the surplus beyond what is needed or desired.

a plethora of

This suggests a large or excessive quantity of something.

an abundance of

This highlights a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a great deal of

Focuses on the large quantity, often used with uncountable nouns, though applicable to countable ones in some contexts.

a surplus of

Highlights the existence of more than what is required.

a large quantity of

This is a more formal way of expressing a large amount.

numerous

Implies a large but countable quantity.

countless

This expresses an amount so large it cannot be counted.

FAQs

How do I use "too many" in a sentence?

"Too many" is used before a countable noun to indicate an excessive quantity. For example, "There are "too many cars" on the road".

What's the difference between "too many" and "too much"?

"Too many" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "too many books"), while "too much" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "too much water").

Can I use "too many" in formal writing?

Yes, "too many" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing when used correctly with countable nouns. Alternatives like "excessive number of" might be preferred in some formal contexts.

What are some common mistakes when using "too many"?

A common mistake is using "too many" with uncountable nouns. Remember to use "too much" for uncountable nouns like time, effort, or money.