virtually too much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually too much" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something is almost excessive or overwhelming, but it may not convey the intended meaning clearly. Example: "The noise from the construction site was virtually too much to bear during the day."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1997, also at the Joyce, his former company, the Gulbenkian Ballet, suggested that his choreography was virtually too much of a good thing.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a new leader, it is virtually impossible to communicate too much with your organization.

Huffington Post

The history that is repeating itself on Broadway at the Booth Theater, where the show opened last night with its once-trenchant social commentary virtually unchanged, feels a bit too much like, well, history.

The New York Times

There are also plenty of middle-class and rich people who save too little and others who save too much, but virtually all would say they'd like a stable living standard through time.

Forbes

What then happened was a lurch from one extreme to the other, from too much autonomy to virtually none.

The Guardian

Former education secretary Baroness Shirley Williams commented in 2009 that it represented "a lurch from one extreme to the other, from too much autonomy to virtually none.

The Guardian

In between the forest of walk-ons (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kelsey Grammer and Jet Li get their faces in too, though apparently Bruce Willis wanted too much money) and virtually unceasing explosions, you kind of forget there's an actual story happening.

The Guardian - Film

If too much algae die, virtually all the oxygen is depleted, creating a hypoxia and a dead zone that may lead to red tide conditions as well.

Huffington Post

There is virtually no dose of stimulus that is too much in an economy as shellshocked as today's.

The New York Times

Instead of too much state, Judah finds virtually no state, with Russia a "fragmented and feudalised society".

The Guardian - Books

As a nation, we have virtually no savings, not only because we consumed too much, but also because we were just getting by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually too much", ensure the context clearly indicates that something is bordering on being excessive or overwhelming, but not quite reaching that point. This phrase is most effective when a subtle exaggeration is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually too much" in formal writing where precision is key. The phrase can be vague and might be better replaced with more specific and quantifiable terms to clearly convey the extent of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually too much" functions as an intensifier, suggesting that something is approaching an excessive or overwhelming level. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase may not convey the intended meaning clearly, but can be used to express something is nearly excessive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually too much" is used to describe something nearing excess or being almost overwhelming, with its primary context being in news and media. While Ludwig AI reports that it is grammatically acceptable but not standard and clear, making it more suitable for contexts where subtle exaggeration is intended. Alternatives such as ""almost excessive"" or ""nearly overwhelming"" may offer greater clarity in formal writing. Its grammatical function is that of an intensifier, while its communicative purpose is to emphasize something approaching an extreme, rather than having reached it. Despite its relative rarity, understanding its nuances can help writers effectively convey a sense of near-excess without being overly definitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost excessive

This alternative replaces "virtually" with "almost", focusing on the near-excessive nature of something.

nearly overwhelming

This phrase uses "nearly" instead of "virtually" and "overwhelming" instead of "too much", emphasizing the potential to overwhelm.

practically excessive

Using "practically" highlights the real-world impact of something nearing excess.

essentially excessive

This option suggests that something is excessive in its core essence.

tantamount to excess

This alternative presents the situation as being equivalent to excess.

effectively too much

Focuses on the practical effect of something being excessive.

borderline excessive

Indicates the situation is very close to being considered excessive.

verging on excess

Similar to borderline, but slightly more formal.

just about excessive

Highlights that something barely qualifies as excessive.

close to being too much

This option describes something approaching an excessive amount or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually too much" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually too much" to describe something that is almost excessive or overwhelming. For example, "The noise from the construction site was "almost excessive"."

What are some alternatives to "virtually too much"?

Alternatives include "nearly overwhelming", "almost excessive", or "practically excessive", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "virtually too much" grammatically correct?

While not a standard phrase, "virtually too much" is generally understandable and acceptable in informal contexts. However, more precise language might be preferred in formal settings.

What does "virtually" mean in the context of "virtually too much"?

In this context, "virtually" means 'almost' or 'nearly'. It suggests that something is very close to being too much, without fully reaching that point.