too vast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too vast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively large or extensive, often in terms of size, scope, or complexity. Example: "The universe is too vast for us to fully comprehend its mysteries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are too vast.

The New York Times - Tech

The subject is too vast, too multifaceted.

The New York Times - Arts

They're too vast to patrol.

The Guardian

It's too vast, too chronic, too horrible.

The New Yorker

Arguably, their discretion is too vast.

The New Yorker

But the subject is too vast.

The New York Times

But the subject proved too vast, and his research stalled.

The New York Times

The money was too fast and too vast".

The New York Times

She said the visual impact was "too vast".

The Guardian

The range of cures and treatments is too vast.

The New York Times

Surely it's too vast for any personal attention?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too vast" to effectively convey that something is excessively large, whether physically, conceptually, or in scope. It adds emphasis and a sense of being overwhelmed by the scale.

Common error

While "too vast" is widely applicable, avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms like "too big" or "too much" would suffice. Save it for situations where the scale truly warrants a more emphatic descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too vast" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something exceeds a manageable or comprehensible size or scope. According to Ludwig, this usage is considered grammatically correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too vast" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjectival phrase used to denote an excessive degree of size, scope, or complexity. As supported by Ludwig's analysis, its application spans across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal communications, although more prevalent in neutral or formal registers. When aiming for similar connotations, consider alternative expressions such as "too immense" or "too extensive", but avoid overusing "too vast" in overly casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too immense

Emphasizes the immeasurable or enormous nature of something, focusing on its sheer size.

too extensive

Highlights the broad coverage or reach of something, suggesting it's widespread or far-reaching.

too huge

A more general term for great size, suitable for many contexts where "too vast" is used.

too broad

Indicates that something is overly general or wide-ranging, lacking specificity or focus.

too wide

Similar to "too broad", but more often used in a literal sense to describe physical dimensions.

too large

A simple and direct way to express that something is bigger than desired or manageable.

too considerable

Emphasizes the significant or noteworthy amount or degree of something.

too substantial

Highlights the solid or weighty nature of something, implying it's significant and impactful.

excessively large

A more formal way to express that something is beyond the acceptable or desirable size.

unmanageably large

Focuses on the difficulty of handling or controlling something due to its size.

FAQs

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

You can use "too vast" to describe something that is excessively large or extensive. For example: "The amount of information available on the internet is "too vast" to process in a lifetime."

What are some alternatives to "too vast"?

Alternatives to "too vast" include "too immense", "too extensive", or "unmanageably large depending on the specific context".

Is "too vast" formal or informal?

"Too vast" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in more descriptive or analytical writing. Simpler terms like "too big" might be preferred in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "too vast" and "too big"?

"Too vast" implies a sense of scale, scope, or complexity that is overwhelming, while "too big" is a more general term for excessive size. "Too vast" is often used when the sheer size of something creates a challenge or makes it difficult to comprehend.