too many birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too many birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an excessive number of birds in a particular context, such as wildlife observation or metaphorically in discussions about problems or distractions. Example: "There were too many birds in the park, making it difficult to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Too many birds.

The New Yorker

Free-roaming cats kill too many birds, they say.

The Washington Post

In the introduction to her latest book she summarises her fiction thus: "Too many birds and moons".

The Guardian - Books

A profile last year in The Guardian of London quoted this five-word self-review of her oeuvre: "Too many birds and moons".

The New York Times

Chinese leaders were helping, too: the economy was souring so fast that they had decided not to let too many birds leave the cage at once.

The New Yorker

There are tame herons in Frederiksberg Gardens, and by placing the park's benches at some distance from one another the park authorities hope to avoid attracting too many birds to one area.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Imprinting has been demonstrated in too many bird species to cite them all here, with varying degrees of importance put on song or anatomical features depending on each species.

Biology Direct

There are too many beautiful birds on view, and during the final moments of the film, as hundreds of birds and bird names flashed past, I felt a tremendous yearning to be outside looking at them.

The New Yorker

"There seem to be too many immune birds for the infection to be doing well in Queens," said Andrew Spierman, a professor of tropical public health at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The New York Times

However, cast in one too many dolly-bird roles, she left for the relative sophistication of the continent, and, after starring in Visconti's decadent 1969 film The Damned, she seemed never to look back.

The Guardian - Film

Too many Spinning Bird Kicks have rendered Chun Li's (March 1 , 1968 legs completely ruined, so she now covers them with a long dress and wears orthopedic shoes to help her shuffle a little quicker towards her opponent.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too many birds" to describe an ecological issue, provide context on why the number of birds is problematic. This could relate to resource depletion, habitat destruction, or disruption of the food chain.

Common error

Avoid using "too many birds" without clarifying the negative consequences. Simply stating there are "too many birds" lacks depth. Always explain the specific problems caused by the excessive bird population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too many birds" functions primarily as a quantifier phrase, indicating an excessive quantity of birds. It's often used to express concern or negative consequences related to this overabundance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too many birds" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an excessive quantity of birds, typically implying negative consequences. Ludwig AI validates its usability. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure to provide context on the specific issues caused by the bird overpopulation to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive number of birds

Replaces "too many" with the more formal "excessive number of".

overpopulation of birds

Indicates a population exceeding the carrying capacity of an environment.

surplus of birds

Uses "surplus" to indicate an amount beyond what is needed or expected.

an overabundance of birds

Emphasizes the excess with "overabundance", implying a plentiful amount.

more birds than necessary

Directly states the excess relative to a specific need or expectation.

a large number of birds

Uses "large number" as a more neutral way to express quantity.

an overflow of birds

Indicates an amount so great it cannot be contained.

a plethora of birds

Introduces a more sophisticated vocabulary to indicate abundance.

too much avian presence

Shifts the focus to "avian presence" offering a more formal and scientific tone.

a bird glut

Uses "glut" to describe a huge quantity of birds.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "too many birds" in a formal context?

In a formal context, consider alternatives like "excessive number of birds" or "overpopulation of birds" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says there are "too many birds"?

The phrase "too many birds" typically suggests that the bird population is causing problems, such as ecological imbalance, resource depletion, or damage to property. It indicates the number of birds has exceeded a tolerable level.

Is it ever appropriate to use "too many birds" in a positive way?

While generally used negatively, "too many birds" could be used positively in specific, limited contexts, such as a birdwatcher expressing excitement about the abundance of species in a particular location, though this usage is rare.

What are some less common ways to say "too many birds"?

Less common but still valid alternatives include "a plethora of birds" or "an overabundance of birds", which emphasize the excess in a more descriptive manner.