too ostentatious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too ostentatious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively showy or flashy, often in a negative context. Example: "The decorations at the party were too ostentatious, making it feel more like a circus than a celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Too ostentatious, too bourgeois".

The New York Times

"It's too ostentatious," he said.

The Guardian

"It made us feel too ostentatious," Ms. John said.

The New York Times

Ooh, get the candles …. "Nothing too ostentatious or showy".

Independent

"I always wanted one, but I was afraid it would be considered too ostentatious.

The New Yorker

"My desire was to make This Christmas an intimate album, not something too ostentatious or showy.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Hijab isn't a uniform and there's no compulsion to be drab, but avoid being overly ostentatious too.

WikiHow

Sporty, elegant, obviously expensive, but not too flash or ostentatious.

The Guardian - Tech

Gone, too, are the ostentatious displays of rage that blighted my rounds even in recent times.

The Guardian - Sport

It, too, delights in ostentatious tradition for its own sake; knowing yet affectionate cribbing from the recent past.

The Guardian - Film

Just make it natural, she never wears anything too bright or ostentatious.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too ostentatious" when you want to express that something is excessively showy or flamboyant, often in a way that is considered inappropriate or in poor taste. For example, "The wedding decorations were "too ostentatious", making the event feel gaudy."

Common error

Avoid using "too ostentatious" to describe something you admire. The phrase generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting excessive and distasteful display. Instead, use words like "elegant", "striking", or "impressive" for positive descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too ostentatious" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "ostentatious". It serves to emphasize the excessive or exaggerated nature of something's showiness. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Arts

2%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too ostentatious" is a commonly used phrase to describe something excessively showy, often in a disapproving manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. When writing, be mindful of the negative connotation and avoid using it in positive contexts. Alternatives like "excessively showy" or "overly extravagant" can provide similar meanings. By considering the context and intended tone, you can effectively use "too ostentatious" to convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively showy

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the display.

overly extravagant

Highlights the excessive spending or wastefulness.

excessively flashy

Focuses on the excessive and attention-grabbing nature.

unduly pretentious

Stresses the unjustified claim to importance or sophistication.

too flamboyant

Highlights the excessive ornamentation and boldness.

over the top

Indicates something is beyond what is considered appropriate or acceptable.

excessively conspicuous

Emphasizes the high visibility and noticeable nature.

outrageously extravagant

Focuses on an extreme level of extravagance.

needlessly showy

Highlights the unnecessary nature of the display.

gratuitously flashy

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the flashiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "too ostentatious" to describe something that is excessively showy or flamboyant, often in a negative way. For example: "The celebrity's mansion was "too ostentatious" for the quiet neighborhood."

What's a less negative way to describe something that is very showy?

Instead of "too ostentatious", consider using terms like "striking", "eye-catching", or "impressive", depending on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

Are there situations where "ostentatious" is appropriate without "too"?

Yes, while "ostentatious" often has a negative connotation, it can be used neutrally to simply describe something that is deliberately showy, without necessarily implying disapproval. Adding "too" usually amplifies the negative sense.

What words are similar to "too ostentatious"?

Synonyms and related phrases include "overly extravagant", "excessively showy", and "unduly pretentious", each emphasizing different aspects of excessive display.