being overly dense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being overly dense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is being excessively thick-headed or slow to understand something. Example: "I tried to explain the concept multiple times, but he just kept being overly dense about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some passages are overly dense, and could have benefited from better editing.

The Economist

At times, it must be said, the book can be overly dense: this is a formidable work of scholarship, but not the lightest of reads.

The New York Times - Books

1) Between the structure description and the descriptions of the mutations, the text is overly dense.

eLife

Because of this, their attention spans are short and they're usually somewhat cynical when given information about a new product in the form of an advertisement, etc. Make all of your promotional efforts clear, quick, and informative without being overly-dense.

WikiHow

Decorative without being overly frivolous.

Independent

Sadly, most sweet potato pie is an overly dense custard in what might as well be a cardboard shell.

The New York Times - Food

Muscle is more dense than fat, so don't be overly concerned with the scale, focus more on the measuring tape.

WikiHow

That's overly dramatic.

The New Yorker

Censors are overly cautious.

The New York Times

They were overly zealous".

The New York Times

It's overly accessible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating content, if you find yourself re-reading sections multiple times without comprehension, consider if it's "being overly dense" and needs simplification.

Common error

Avoid using technical jargon or overly complex language when simpler alternatives are available; otherwise, your communication might risk "being overly dense" and losing its audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being overly dense" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable, denoting excessive complexity or difficulty in understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being overly dense" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase that describes something as unnecessarily complex or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts, carrying a slightly informal register. While not exceptionally frequent, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage can help writers avoid creating content that is difficult for their audience to grasp. By prioritizing clarity and conciseness, communicators can prevent their message from "being overly dense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being too complicated

This alternative focuses on the excessive complexity of something.

being excessively complicated

This alternative intensifies the focus on the excessive complexity of something.

being unnecessarily complex

This alternative highlights the lack of necessity for the complexity.

being difficult to understand

This alternative shifts the focus to the challenge of comprehension.

being hard to grasp

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or comprehending something.

being obtuse

This alternative uses a more formal term to describe a lack of clarity or understanding.

being unintelligible

This alternative emphasizes a lack of clarity in communication.

lacking clarity

This alternative highlights the absence of clear and concise expression.

being excessively detailed

Focuses on the overabundance of details, leading to confusion.

being too elaborate

Emphasizes that something is excessively ornamented or complex.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be "being overly dense"?

When something is described as "being overly dense", it means it is unnecessarily complex or difficult to understand, often due to excessive detail or complicated language.

How can I avoid my writing "being overly dense"?

To prevent your writing from "being overly dense", focus on clarity and conciseness. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and break down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts.

What are some alternatives to "being overly dense"?

Some alternatives to "being overly dense" include "being too complicated", "being difficult to understand", or "lacking clarity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always bad for something to be "being overly dense"?

While generally undesirable, a degree of density might be necessary in highly technical or academic contexts. However, even then, striving for clarity is essential to ensure effective communication. If something is "being overly dense", consider breaking it down into smaller parts or simplifying the language.