excessive thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"excessive thinking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to overthinking or thinking too much about a particular topic or issue. Example: His excessive thinking about the project made it difficult for him to make a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some feel that such penalties should never decide a match, but they cannot explain how to restrain those who tend to hurt the scheduling and infuriate their opponents by excessive thinking.

The New York Times - Arts

So is excessive thinking.

Forbes

This leads to excessive thinking, which then may lead to solutions or ideas, researchers theorize.

Huffington Post

Monkey Mind Learning to be fully present through mindfulness will help to tame the Monkey Mind, which is compulsive, hyperactive and dominated by excessive thinking.

Huffington Post

(PHN 007) Many PHNs reported excessive thinking, worrying or even dreaming about their clients outside of work hours and particularly during times of client crisis.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But without the mitigating influence of sound thinking, excessive fear of this new disease can lead to discrimination against Asians, something that is not without precedent in this country.

The New York Times

Excessive planning and thinking can sometimes paralyze your creativity.

Huffington Post

"So not excessively excessive.

The New York Times

In bipolar mania, you have an excessive fast and divergent thinking, increased self-esteem, and never-ending energy and motivation, often to create.

The Guardian

At the same time, such a list arguably provides a safeguard against excessive cultural relativism in thinking about the social minimum.

SEP

And this initially cognitive discovery leads to a conative change: "Realizing this he is established as a lover of all beautiful bodies and relaxes this excessive preoccupation with one, thinking less of it and believing it to be a small matter" (210b4 6).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is thinking too much, consider using "overthinking" as a more direct and commonly understood alternative to "excessive thinking".

Common error

Avoid using "excessive thinking" when you actually mean thorough analysis. "Excessive thinking" implies a counterproductive or detrimental level of thought, whereas analysis suggests a more structured and goal-oriented approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive thinking" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "thinking". It describes the quality of the thinking process, indicating that it is beyond the normal or necessary amount. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive thinking" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an overactive or unproductive thought process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and correct, commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "overthinking" are often more concise, "excessive thinking" is suitable when you wish to emphasize the extreme or detrimental nature of the thinking. When using the phrase, be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overthinking

A more concise and commonly used term for thinking too much about something.

obsessive rumination

Focuses on the repetitive and intrusive nature of the thoughts.

constant worrying

Emphasizes the anxiety and concern associated with excessive thought.

morbid introspection

Implies a negative or unhealthy focus on one's own thoughts and feelings.

compulsive thinking

Highlights the uncontrollable nature of the thought process.

relentless analysis

Focuses on the unending and often unproductive nature of the analysis.

hyper-analysis

A shorter alternative for excessive analysis.

chronic overanalyzing

This highlights that the overanalyzing is a long-term pattern.

endless deliberation

Highlights the fact of an ongoing deliberation that will not lead to a decision.

persistent contemplation

Emphasizes the duration and intensity of the thinking.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "excessive thinking"?

A simpler and more common alternative to "excessive thinking" is "overthinking".

Is "excessive thinking" always negative?

Yes, the term "excessive thinking" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the thinking is unproductive, detrimental, or disproportionate to the situation. However, context is still important. For example, there are situations when it can simply mean that the thinking is inappropriate given the context.

How does "excessive thinking" differ from problem-solving?

"Excessive thinking" often involves repetitive, unproductive thought patterns and is not necessarily directed towards finding a solution. Problem-solving, on the other hand, is focused on identifying and resolving a specific issue.

When is it appropriate to use "excessive thinking" in writing?

Use "excessive thinking" when you want to emphasize that someone is thinking too much about something in a way that is causing them distress, hindering their progress, or leading to negative outcomes. For example: "His "constant worrying" and excessive thinking kept him awake at night."