all too neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all too neat" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is overly organized or tidy, often with a negative connotation. It can also convey a sense of disbelief or dissatisfaction. Example: "Samantha's apartment was all too neat, with not a single item out of place. It almost felt unnatural and robotic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

All too neat a conversion?

The Economist

And all too neat it was.

The Economist

Was it all too neat and clean to have happened in reality?... halfway through, at around the time that Walt was gazing at Walt, Jr., I became fixated on the idea that what we were watching must be a dying fantasy on the part of Walter White, not something that was actually happening -- at least not in the "real world" of the previous seasons..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even all-too-neat prophetic dreams are taken on trust.

The Guardian - Books

One might also add that his life exemplified that all-too-neat reversal of fortune of which Hollywood studios were so fond.

The New Yorker

Iranians entering the country were, for example, looked up on Facebook to see if they had links to any known dissidents, thus achieving the very opposite of what American policymakers wanted.The root of the problem, Mr Morozov argues, is that Western policymakers see an all-too-neat parallel with the role that radio propaganda and photocopiers may have played in undermining the Soviet Union.

The Economist

First of all, the office is all wrong: too neat and not enough cartoons on the desk.

The New Yorker

It's all a bit too neat.

The Guardian - Film

It's all a bit too neat, more for display than for consumption.

The New York Times - Food

Optimists point to America's first-quarter results, in which 66% of reporting companies beat expectations, according to HSBC.The trouble with this picture is that it all seems too neat.

The Economist

I know it all sounds too neat, but that's what happened.' Boyle went on to make Trainspotting, which has been dubbed 'the Clockwork Orange of the Nineties' - a viscerally hip portrait of anarchic youth culture which became both a controversial modern film classic and a defining pop icon.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all too neat", consider the context carefully. Ensure that the tone aligns with the intended message, as it can convey criticism or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid relying on "all too neat" as a catch-all phrase for expressing skepticism. Vary your vocabulary to provide richer and more nuanced commentary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too neat" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe situations, explanations, or arrangements. It carries a nuance of skepticism or disbelief, implying that something is overly simplified or contrived. Ludwig examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all too neat" functions as an adverbial modifier used to express skepticism regarding situations that appear overly simplified or contrived. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and readily understandable. The expression appears with more frequency in "News & Media". When using "all too neat", be aware of its critical undertones and ensure that its usage aligns with the intended message. Common pitfalls include overusing the phrase or using it in scenarios that require a more nuanced critique. While correct, consider the impact of the tone when you select "all too neat".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too convenient

Focuses on the element of convenience, suggesting a lack of authenticity.

too simplistic

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in an explanation or solution.

overly tidy

Highlights the excessive orderliness, often implying a lack of naturalness.

excessively orderly

Similar to 'overly tidy', but with a stronger emphasis on strict arrangement.

a bit pat

Suggests that an explanation is too readily available and lacks depth.

seems contrived

Indicates that something appears artificially planned or forced.

too formulaic

Implies that something adheres too closely to a standard pattern or formula.

smacks of artificiality

Highlights the lack of genuineness and the presence of something artificial.

too well-organized

Points out the high degree of organization which might seem unnatural.

suspect simplicity

Focuses on the suspicious nature of something that appears overly simple.

FAQs

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

You can use "all too neat" to express skepticism about a situation that seems overly convenient or simple. For example, "The explanation for the company's success seemed "all too neat", raising concerns about potential fraud."

What does "all too neat" imply?

"All too neat" often implies that something is overly simplified, possibly concealing underlying complexities or negative aspects. It suggests a level of artifice that may not be genuine.

Which words are similar to "all too neat"?

Similar phrases include "too convenient", "too simplistic", or "overly tidy", which all suggest a degree of skepticism about a situation's apparent simplicity.

Is "all too neat" a formal or informal expression?

"All too neat" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in writing where a degree of critical analysis is expected, such as news articles or essays.