be overly eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overly eager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is excessively enthusiastic or keen about something, often to the point of being inappropriate or counterproductive. Example: "While it's great to show enthusiasm for the project, try not to be overly eager, as it may overwhelm the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

From a more technical standpoint, my research suggests that one should not be overly eager to chase down the latest trend at this stage of the campaign.

The New York Times

This is good, except that a host may be overly eager to impute abstemiousness to his female companions, perhaps to his own advantage.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bradley favors broad strokes and may at times be overly eager to connect historical dots, but he also produces graphic, shocking evidence of the attitudes that his book describes.

The New York Times - Books

Whether or not military action was contemplated, the administration's strong words were also spreading alarm in the Middle East and among Europeans, who fear that the United States, in its headiness over victory in Iraq, may now be overly eager to swagger in the region.

The New York Times

Be eager to embrace life, but don't be overly eager to embrace love.

HuffPost

Likewise, if you see someone is obviously sipping their drink very slowly, perhaps because they don't prefer drinking too much, don't be overly eager to give them more.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Mooney worries that the center is overly eager to work with big biotechnology companies like Monsanto and Novartis.

The New York Times

Mr. Phillips confirmed that Ms. Rice had been interviewed, but disputed any notion that she had been overly eager in seeking attention for her work.

The New York Times

There is a sense, Ms. Nevares-Muñiz said, that the governor further politicized the Police Department — already an established tradition — and installed people who were overly eager to please.

The New York Times

Because of the implied guarantee — and the belief that it meant they would never have to pay out on the swaps — sellers of credit insurance may have been overly eager to write contracts on Fannie's and Freddie's debt.

The New York Times

"CityTime is an example of how an allegiance to the notion that outside people are always better can be faulty," said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, who added that the Bloomberg administration had been overly eager to outsource projects to high-priced contractors rather than handle them in house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance enthusiasm with caution. Expressing excitement is good, but avoid appearing desperate or naive.

Common error

Avoid using "be overly eager" as a substitute for demonstrating actual skills or knowledge. Enthusiasm alone isn't enough; show competence to gain trust and respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overly eager" typically functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a subject by indicating an excessive level of enthusiasm or eagerness. Ludwig AI confirms that it correctly describes someone exhibiting too much enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be overly eager" is a phrase used to describe someone exhibiting excessive enthusiasm, often with potential negative implications. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, ensuring that it accurately conveys the intended message of caution or critique. Be mindful of alternative phrasing such as "be excessively enthusiastic" or "be overzealous", to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overly enthusiastic

Similar to the original, but replaces "eager" with "enthusiastic".

be over-enthusiastic

Alternative spelling with the same meaning than "be overly enthusiastic"

be overzealous

Implies excessive enthusiasm that can lead to inappropriate actions.

be excessively enthusiastic

Focuses on the intensity of enthusiasm, emphasizing its excessive nature.

be too keen

Highlights eagerness, suggesting an imbalance or inappropriateness.

be excessively zealous

Indicates extreme fervor or dedication, potentially beyond what's reasonable.

be too forward

Suggests a breach of social boundaries due to eagerness.

be pushy

Suggests an aggressive form of eagerness that imposes on others.

be grasping

Implies an eagerness driven by greed or ambition.

be impatient

Focuses on the lack of patience stemming from eagerness.

FAQs

How can I use "be overly eager" in a sentence?

You can use "be overly eager" to caution against excessive enthusiasm, such as, "While it's good to show initiative, try not to "be overly eager" to impress your boss."

What are some synonyms for "be overly eager"?

Alternatives include "be excessively enthusiastic", "be too keen", or "be overzealous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "be overly eager"?

While enthusiasm is generally positive, "be overly eager" often implies a lack of restraint or a potential for negative consequences. Context is crucial in determining its connotation.

What's the difference between "be eager" and "be overly eager"?

"Be eager" suggests a positive anticipation or enthusiasm, while "be overly eager" implies that the enthusiasm is excessive or inappropriate for the situation, potentially leading to negative outcomes.