Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

Overemphasis

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Overemphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the excessive importance or attention given to a particular idea, concept, or detail. Example: "The overemphasis on test scores can overshadow the importance of a well-rounded education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, the overemphasis on the local man and woman underlines another important axiom about Irish elections: they are in fact 43 separate byelections, often fought on localised issues.

News & Media

The Guardian

Pointing to Mr Obama's no-show and the government shutdown, it concluded that his "much touted 'pivot' to Asia feels more like a pirouette with an overemphasis on military engagement".The Chinese press is happy to foster the impression of a power shift, taking the argument beyond South-East Asia.

News & Media

The Economist

Although Locke was evidently a good student, he did not enjoy his schooling; in later life he attacked boarding schools for their overemphasis on corporal punishment and for the uncivil behaviour of pupils.

Meanwhile, one should retain, without overemphasis, the twin visions of cell death one in which death approaches the cell from the outside and the other in which death starts from within the living core of the cell itself.

The negative element, as formulated in the theology of the Areopagite, proved to be insufficient as a corrective to counter the overemphasis of reason, for reason seemed to imply the idea of necessity; Anselm's asserted "compelling grounds" for revealed truths, for example, were akin to such a necessitarianism.

1525 72; see Isserles, Moses ben Israel) was one of many Ashkenazi (German-rite) rabbis who severely criticized the Shulḥan ʿarukh for its overemphasis on the customs of Sephardic (Spanish-rite) Jews.

The Great Depression had devastating effects on sharecroppers, as did the South's continued overproduction and overemphasis on cotton production.

This is to be regretted, for it not only results in an overemphasis that destroys intellectual balance but it also has relegated to the background some of the more exciting aesthetic accomplishments of the Native American.

While the tendency to see in Napoleon a reincarnation of some 14th-century Italian condottiere is an overemphasis on one aspect of his character, he did, in fact, share neither the traditions nor the prejudices of his new country: remaining a Corsican in temperament, he was first and foremost, through both his education and his reading, a man of the 18th century.

Later some of the Sufis in India were brought closer to Hindu mysticism by an overemphasis on the idea of divine unity which became almost monism a religiophilosophic perspective according to which there is only one basic reality, and the distinction between God and the world (and humanity) tends to disappear.

Du Bois was one of a number of black intellectuals who feared that what they saw as the overemphasis on industrial training (as evidenced, for example, by the plan proposed by Booker T. Washington in the 1895 Atlanta Compromise) would confine blacks permanently to the ranks of second-class citizenship.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overemphasis", ensure it's clear what the appropriate level of emphasis should be. Providing a contrasting element can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Be specific about what is being overemphasized. Saying there's an "overemphasis" without specifying what it is weakens the statement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overemphasis" is that of a noun. It refers to the act of placing too much importance or stress on something. As Ludwig indicates, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overemphasis" is a grammatically sound noun used to indicate that something is being given too much importance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. The analysis shows it's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using "overemphasis", ensure you specify what is being overemphasized for clarity. Consider related phrases like "undue emphasis" or "excessive focus" for nuanced expression.

FAQs

How can I use "overemphasis" in a sentence?

You can use "overemphasis" to point out when something is given more importance than it deserves. For example, "There's an overemphasis on test scores in education".

What can I say instead of "overemphasis"?

You can use alternatives like "undue emphasis", "excessive focus", or "disproportionate attention" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an overemphasis on" or "overemphasis of"?

"An overemphasis on" is more common and generally preferred. While "overemphasis of" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used.

What's the difference between "overemphasis" and "emphasis"?

"Emphasis" simply means giving importance to something. "Overemphasis" implies that too much importance is being given, potentially at the expense of other factors.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: