very excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the degree of excessiveness in a particular context, often to describe something that goes beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. Example: "The noise from the construction site was very excessive, making it difficult for residents to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They were very excessive times".

The New York Times

Ms. Calder n called the sentences "very excessive".

The New York Times

"Fining him is one thing, but to me that's very excessive," Vitolo said.

The New York Times - Sports

A little reflection taught me silence-a little practice enabled me to speak of that frightful night without any very excessive blunder.

Columbia University

Mr Beavis said afterwards: "What is not excessive to a judge who earns £214,000 a year is very excessive to a family on benefits.

Independent

But Senator Domenici said that despite its importance as an element of stockpile stewardship, "N.I.F. is a very controversial one now because of these very excessive, these huge overruns".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Roseanne's version will use the show's nickname: "AbFab". "It's a great show, very excessive--which I like," Siefert enthuses.

Los Angeles Times

His career was full of highs and lows and he was full of contradictions, a very unstable, excessive character".

The New York Times

Since the diameter of miniature tools is very small, excessive forces and vibrations significantly affect the overall quality of the part.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Since the diameter of miniature tools is very small, excessive forces and vibrations will significantly affect the overall part and tool quality.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

The downside of Hollywood has been in the forefront of criticism, from the very start the excessive recourse to spectacle and sentiment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very excessive", consider whether a stronger, single-word adjective (e.g., exorbitant, outrageous, extreme) might provide a more impactful and concise description.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring the noun or situation you're describing hasn't already implied excess. For example, instead of saying "very excessive spending", consider "profligate spending" or "exorbitant spending" if the context already indicates the spending is excessive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very excessive" functions primarily as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to emphasize the degree to which it exceeds acceptable or normal limits. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very excessive" is a grammatically sound phrase used to intensify the adjective "excessive", indicating that something greatly surpasses acceptable limits. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. While common in News & Media and Science, it's essential to consider more concise alternatives depending on the context. Overusing "very" can sometimes weaken the impact, so choose carefully. The phrase effectively conveys disapproval or surprise at the degree of excess. Related phrases include "extremely high" and "unduly great".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely high

Emphasizes a high degree of something, focusing on scale or intensity.

inordinately large

Highlights the unusual or disproportionate size or amount.

unduly great

Suggests that something is larger or more significant than it should be.

unreasonably high

Focuses on the lack of justification for the elevated level.

overly much

Indicates a quantity beyond what is needed or acceptable.

highly immoderate

Stresses a lack of restraint or moderation.

exceptionally surplus

Points to a surplus that goes beyond the norm.

markedly extra

Indicates that something is noticeably more than required.

noticeably disproportionate

Highlights the imbalance or lack of proportion.

intensely surplus

Emphasizes the intensity of the surplus.

FAQs

How can I use "very excessive" in a sentence?

You can use "very excessive" to describe something that goes beyond normal or acceptable limits. For example, "The surcharges were "very excessive"."

What are some alternatives to "very excessive"?

Alternatives include "extremely high", "unduly great", or "unreasonably high", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very excessive"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very" before "excessive" can sometimes be redundant. Consider using a stronger single word or rephrasing for more impact. Alternatives include exorbitant or outrageous.

When is it appropriate to use "very excessive" instead of just "excessive"?

Use "very excessive" when you want to emphasize the degree of excess, highlighting that something goes significantly beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.