all too frequently

USAGE SUMMARY

"all too frequently" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to describe something that happens more often than you would like. For example: All too frequently, students do not take their education seriously until it is too late.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ALL too frequently Vietnam's capital is plagued by power blackouts.

The Economist

He all too frequently grabs the outside shoulders and tries to use his legs to move the opponent.

The New York Times

This problem could be addressed by avoiding the practice of double-booking, which is employed an all too frequently in order to maintain a physician's high income.

Harvard University

He gets job offers from buyout funds, Internet startups and money managers all too frequently.

Forbes

It's now just a word that is potentially used all too frequently.

HuffPost

All too frequently they lose their lives.

The Guardian

I see this all too frequently.

Harvard Business Review

But all too frequently, Clément's humour misfires.

The Guardian - Music

All too frequently liberation goes unaccompanied by liberty.

The New Yorker

They are places where childhood dreams all too frequently expire.

The New York Times

And dementia and loneliness already meet all too frequently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all too frequently" to express concern or disapproval about the high rate at which something occurs. It adds emphasis to the negative aspect of the frequency.

Common error

While "all too frequently" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "often", "too often", or "repeatedly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too frequently" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the frequency of an action or event. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes that something happens more often than desired. Examples show it describing problems, mistakes, and unwanted situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all too frequently" serves as an adverbial phrase that emphasizes the undesirable frequency of an event. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and used to describe situations that happen more often than desired. Analysis of examples shows that this expression is most common in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While perfectly acceptable, it's wise to consider synonyms such as "too often" or "repeatedly", especially in formal writing, to avoid sounding repetitive. Remember, effective writing involves choosing the most precise and impactful language for your intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too often

This alternative is more concise and direct while retaining the core meaning of excessive frequency.

very often

This alternative focuses on the high frequency of occurrence, though it may lack the negative connotation.

all too common

This alternative shifts the focus to the commonness of the event rather than its frequency.

more often than not

This alternative emphasizes that something happens in the majority of cases, implying a high frequency.

regrettably often

This alternative explicitly adds a sense of regret or disappointment about the frequency.

frequently

This alternative is a single-word synonym, simpler but less emphatic.

repeatedly

This alternative highlights the repetition of an event, focusing on the act of repeating.

on many occasions

This alternative emphasizes the multiple instances of an event.

time and again

This alternative highlights the recurrence of an event over time.

with unwelcome regularity

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the unwanted nature of the frequent occurrences.

FAQs

What does "all too frequently" mean?

The phrase "all too frequently" means that something happens more often than is desirable or expected. It implies a negative connotation, suggesting the frequency is unwelcome or problematic.

How can I use "all too frequently" in a sentence?

You can use "all too frequently" to modify a verb or verb phrase, indicating how often an action occurs. For example, "Mistakes happen "all too frequently" in this process."

What are some alternatives to "all too frequently"?

Some alternatives to "all too frequently" include "too often", "very often", or "regrettably often". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "all too frequently" formal or informal?

"All too frequently" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives to avoid sounding overly emotional or subjective.