would prove excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would prove excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something is likely to be more than what is necessary or reasonable. Example: "The costs associated with the project would prove excessive if we do not manage our budget carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked whether all the security preparations might prove excessive, he said: "I'd rather be prepared and have nothing happen.

The New York Times - Sports

These results are surprising, because it seems likely that glucocorticosteroid treatment would prove either productive (ie, reducing excessive inflammation and resultant severe symptoms) or detrimental (ie, reducing innate mediators of viral clearance such that a greater incidence of severe disease would be noted).

Clinical Infectious Diseases

It would prove brief.

The New York Times

History would prove Bessel right.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All would prove crucial.

The New York Times

Still, the experience would prove formative.

The New York Times

It would prove harder than expected.

The New York Times

They would prove minor details for Newcastle.

Independent

But the term would prove fitting.

The New York Times

A title would prove the point.

Independent

Hostility would prove to be unnecessary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would prove excessive", ensure the context clearly defines what standard is being exceeded. For example, "The additional security measures would prove excessive for a small local event."

Common error

Avoid using "would prove excessive" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "would be too much" or "would be overkill" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would prove excessive" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a prediction or assessment about something potentially exceeding reasonable limits. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct phrase, although not very commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would prove excessive" is a grammatically sound construction used to suggest that something is likely to exceed acceptable or necessary limits. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relative infrequency suggests a preference for simpler alternatives in many contexts. The phrase tends to appear in neutral or professional registers, particularly when evaluating potential outcomes or expressing concern about exceeding certain standards. When considering alternative phrases, it's important to assess which alternative is more accurate to use, depending on the purpose that the writer or speaker wants to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be too much

Replaces "prove excessive" with a simpler and more direct expression of quantity or degree.

would be inordinate

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for "excessive", indicating a high degree or amount.

would be unwarranted

Shifts the focus to the justification of the amount, suggesting it's not deserved or needed.

would be disproportionate

Emphasizes the lack of balance or proper relationship in the amount or degree.

would be extravagant

Highlights the lavish and unnecessary nature of the amount or degree.

would exceed reasonable limits

Explicitly states that the amount or degree goes beyond what is acceptable.

would be over the top

Offers a more informal and emphatic way to describe something as excessive.

would be beyond what's needed

Focuses on the lack of necessity for the amount or degree.

might be considered extreme

Introduces a subjective element, suggesting that others may view the amount or degree as excessive.

could be seen as surplus

Indicates an amount beyond what is required or useful.

FAQs

How can I use "would prove excessive" in a sentence?

Use "would prove excessive" to describe a situation where something is likely to be more than necessary or reasonable. For example: "The costs associated with the project "would prove excessive" if we do not manage our budget carefully."

What are some alternatives to "would prove excessive"?

You can use alternatives like "would be too much", "might be excessive", or "would be unwarranted" depending on the context.

Is "would prove excessive" formal or informal?

"Would prove excessive" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, simpler phrases are often more suitable.

What's the difference between "would prove excessive" and "would be excessive"?

"Would prove excessive" implies a future realization or outcome. "Would be excessive" states a general condition. The choice depends on whether you're predicting a future state or describing a current or hypothetical one.