too valuable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too valuable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is considered to have a high worth or importance that makes it unsuitable for a particular use or situation. Example: "This artwork is too valuable for display in a public space where it could be damaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Burros were deemed too valuable for such work.

The New York Times

The land was too valuable for the dead.

The New York Times - Sports

But we decided, the student's time is too valuable for that.

Cornell University

Buy silver, he advises; gold is too valuable for small transactions.

The Economist

The euro is simply too valuable for Germany to be risked.

The New York Times

He's too valuable for Nascar to be left on his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Real estate is too valuable now for street art; every vacant lot has become a Build it Now! commodity.

The Washington Post

When, finally, it was her turn to speak, she said, "What this bill basically says is that 'you're too valuable a resource for our country for us to treat you like this.' " Then she thanked her colleagues, especially Graham, the quartet's only Republican, who, she noted, had himself served in the National Guard.

The New Yorker

Billy Hughes, Attorney-General in the Fisher government at the time, later said Garran would have been appointed "but for the fact that he is too valuable a man for us to lose.

Wikipedia

But that success is temporary, and Ukraine is too valuable an ally for the EU to abandon.

The Guardian - Opinion

A quarterback as talented as Wentz was too valuable to risk for an extra yard here or there.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too valuable for", ensure that the context clearly establishes both the value of the subject and the unsuitability of the proposed action. This will prevent misinterpretations and reinforce the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "too valuable for" in situations where the value isn't significantly high or the proposed use isn't clearly inappropriate. Overusing the phrase in minor contexts can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too valuable for" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something possesses a value that exceeds the suitability for a particular purpose or application. Ludwig shows that this phrase often precedes a noun or gerund, clarifying the inappropriate use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too valuable for" is a versatile expression used to convey that something's worth makes it unsuitable for a particular use. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency in news and media highlights its role in commentary and analysis, while its presence in scientific literature suggests its use in reasoned arguments against resource misuse. When using this phrase, make sure the value and the inappropriateness are clearly established. Consider alternatives like "too precious for" or "too important for" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too precious for

Emphasizes the high value and delicacy, making something unsuitable due to its vulnerability.

too important for

Highlights the significance of something, rendering it inappropriate for a trivial or risky use.

invaluable for other purposes

Focuses on the high value in alternative applications, making the current one less appealing.

more useful elsewhere

Highlights the utility of something in a different context, implying its misallocation in the current one.

not expendable for

Indicates that something cannot be sacrificed or used up for a specific reason due to its importance.

unsuitable given its worth

States directly that something's value makes it inappropriate for a certain purpose.

better reserved for

Suggests that something should be saved for a more appropriate or important use.

more appropriately used for

Suggests the item's application is wrong and could serve a better purpose.

not worth risking for

Indicates the potential loss outweighs the possible gain from using something in a particular situation.

better allocated to

Emphasizes the need for a better distribution of resources due to higher needs elsewhere.

FAQs

How can I use "too valuable for" in a sentence?

Use "too valuable for" to express that something's high worth makes it unsuitable for a specific use. For example, "This antique is too valuable for everyday use".

What are some alternatives to "too valuable for"?

You can use alternatives like "too precious for", "too important for", or "invaluable for other purposes" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'too valuable to' instead of "too valuable for"?

While 'too valuable to' can be grammatically correct, it implies a different meaning. "Too valuable for" suggests unsuitability for a specific use, whereas 'too valuable to' often indicates something shouldn't be damaged or lost. For example, 'This data is too valuable to lose'.

What's the difference between "too valuable for" and "worth more than"?

"Too valuable for" implies that the value of something makes it inappropriate for a specific application. "Worth more than" is a general statement of value that does not necessarily connect to a specific use. For example, "This painting is worth more than a car" simply states its high monetary value.