all too often

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all too often" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express that something happens more frequently than desired. Example sentence: All too often, people forget the importance of exercising regularly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The boss all too often starts cracking jokes.

Forbes

Appearance: All too often.

The Guardian

All too often they don't.

Harvard Business Review

All too often, they are also ineffective.

The Economist

But all too often they fall short".

The New York Times

Their reward, all too often, is calumny.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

As she all-too-often does.

Huffington Post

Sure, they broke down all too often.

The Economist

But all too often c.f.

The New Yorker

All too often, however, the results are disappointing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

All too often the supporters seem to be an afterthought".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all too often", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the frequency is undesirable. This helps to convey the intended meaning and emotional tone effectively.

Common error

While "all too often" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Vary your language by using synonyms like "frequently" or "more often than not" for a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too often" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the frequency of an action. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses that something happens more frequently than desired. The examples provided by Ludwig support this analysis, showcasing its role in emphasizing unwanted or negative recurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all too often" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express that something happens more frequently than desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey disappointment or concern regarding recurring events. It is suitable for a range of contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. However, be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "frequently" or "more often than not" to maintain a balanced tone. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, making it a versatile addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far too frequently

Strengthens the sense of undesirable frequency, similar to the original phrase.

with undesirable frequency

Directly expresses the concept of unwanted frequency.

more than is desirable

Directly states that something happens more often than preferred.

more often than not

Indicates a tendency or likelihood, rather than simple frequency.

regrettably often

Adds an element of regret or disappointment to the frequent occurrence.

very frequently

Replaces "all too often" with a straightforward indicator of high frequency, lacking the negative connotation.

quite often

Similar to "often", but suggests a slightly higher degree of frequency.

frequently

A direct synonym for "often", without the added emphasis of excessiveness.

alas, frequently

Conveys sorrow or lament alongside frequency.

all too common

Shifts the focus to the commonness of an occurrence, rather than its frequency.

FAQs

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

Use "all too often" to express that something happens more frequently than is desirable. For example, "All too often, people neglect their mental health".

What can I say instead of "all too often"?

You can use alternatives like "very frequently", "more often than not", or "frequently" depending on the context.

Is "all too often" formal or informal?

"All too often" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's important to consider the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "all too often" and "often"?

"All too often" implies a negative connotation or a sense of disappointment about the frequency of something, whereas "often" simply indicates that something occurs frequently without any added judgment.