was excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was excessive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is more than what is considered reasonable or necessary. For example, "The noise from the party was excessive, disturbing the neighbors." Alternative expressions include "was too much" and "was over the top."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But this was excessive.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was — excessive.

The New Yorker

Wind noise was excessive.

The New York Times

"Ling was excessive and disrespectful".

The New York Times

"I think it was excessive.

The Guardian

But the strain was excessive, he said.

Independent

Everything that happened to me was excessive.

The Guardian - Film

For some critics, it was excessive.

The Guardian

His crime, apparently, was excessive spookiness.

The New York Times

"But the damage done was excessive, too.

The New York Times

Family members said the force was excessive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was excessive" to clearly communicate that something surpassed acceptable or reasonable limits. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing disapproval or concern.

Common error

In formal writing, while "was excessive" is acceptable, consider using more precise synonyms like "was unwarranted" or "was disproportionate" to convey a more nuanced meaning. This can enhance the sophistication and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was excessive" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a descriptor indicating that something exceeded reasonable or acceptable limits. Ludwig examples show it describing force, damage, and even emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was excessive" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express that something exceeded acceptable limits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider the context and choose more precise synonyms in formal settings to enhance clarity. Remember, the key is to convey that something has gone beyond what is reasonable or necessary, and "was excessive" does this effectively in most contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was too much

A simple and direct way to say something was beyond what's acceptable or manageable.

went too far

This alternative implies that a boundary or limit was overstepped.

crossed the line

Indicates that a boundary of acceptable behavior was violated.

was over the top

This suggests the action or behavior was exaggerated and inappropriate.

was unreasonable

Emphasizes the lack of logic or fairness in the amount or degree of something.

was disproportionate

Highlights that the scale or magnitude was not appropriate for the situation.

was inordinate

A more formal way of saying something was beyond normal or reasonable limits.

was unwarranted

Suggests the action or amount was not justified or deserved.

was gratuitous

This emphasizes that something was unnecessary and often excessive.

exceeded expectations

This implies that something went beyond what was anticipated or required.

FAQs

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

You can use "was excessive" to describe something that exceeded reasonable limits. For example, "The amount of paperwork required "was excessive", making the process difficult".

What phrases can I use instead of "was excessive"?

Alternatives include "was too much", "went too far", or "was over the top". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the force was excessive"?

Yes, "the force "was excessive"" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in legal or ethical discussions to describe the inappropriate use of force.

What is the difference between "was excessive" and "was too much"?

While both convey the idea of exceeding a limit, "was excessive" often implies a deviation from a standard or norm, whereas ""was too much"" suggests exceeding a personal tolerance or capacity. Consider the context to determine which phrase best fits.