excessively lenient with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessively lenient with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overly forgiving or tolerant towards another person or situation. Example: "The teacher was excessively lenient with the students, allowing them to submit assignments late without any penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But some analysts contend that the Fed was still too lenient with the banks.

The New York Times

Dowd said the courts had been too lenient with racing cheats.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Giardina believes that some judges are too lenient with drunken drivers.

The New York Times

Mr. Strickler said the agency had been too lenient with Sushi Samba's owners.

The New York Times

Even the United States, often accused of being too lenient with Uganda, strongly condemned Mr. Museveni.

The New York Times

The writers feel the Committee has been too lenient with a remission of one day.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

As a manager, Lajoie was also described as "much too lenient with his players".

Wikipedia

The conservative American Enterprise Institute criticized it for being too lenient with states.

HuffPost

One of the more damning revelations by the Christopher Commission, which was formed in the wake of the King beating, was that the department was excessively lenient on officers accused of using excessive force.

Los Angeles Times

By airline standards, Amtrak is also excessively lenient in its ticketing practices.

The New Yorker

Critics have derided the initiative as overly ambitious, too expensive and excessively lenient in the conditions it places on the developing countries that want to receive aid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excessively lenient with" to specifically denote a degree of leniency that is beyond what is considered reasonable or appropriate in a given situation. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While "excessively lenient with" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or specific term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "unduly permissive" or "overly tolerant" to tailor your language to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessively lenient with" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing the degree of leniency. The adjective "lenient" is intensified by the adverb "excessively", indicating a high degree of permissiveness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excessively lenient with" is used to criticize or express concern over an inappropriate degree of leniency. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Though examples are currently absent, it would typically be found in news articles or general discussions. While the phrase is valid, remember to consider context, as its intensity may not always be appropriate. Alternatives include "overly permissive with" or "unduly tolerant of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inordinately lenient with

Focuses on the excessive degree of leniency, which can be seen as unwarranted.

excessively tolerant towards

This alternative replaces 'lenient' with 'tolerant', keeping the intensity and direction similar.

overly permissive with

Emphasizes the act of allowing too much freedom or not enforcing rules strictly enough.

uncommonly lenient regarding

Similar to the original but specifies the area or matter where the leniency is applied.

unduly tolerant of

Highlights the acceptance of behavior or situations that might typically be criticized or restricted.

inordinately forgiving towards

Focuses on the act of pardoning or excusing actions more than is reasonably expected.

overly easy on

Uses a more informal tone to convey the idea of not being strict enough.

remarkably patient with

Highlights the ability to endure difficulties or provocations without complaint, beyond what is typical.

surprisingly indulgent with

Indicates a level of pampering or catering to desires that is unexpected or perhaps inappropriate.

exceptionally charitable to

Stresses generosity in judgment or treatment, often extending beyond what is deserved.

FAQs

What does "excessively lenient with" mean?

The phrase "excessively lenient with" means being overly forgiving or permissive, often to a degree that is seen as inappropriate or detrimental. It suggests a lack of necessary strictness or discipline.

How can I use "excessively lenient with" in a sentence?

You can use "excessively lenient with" to describe someone or something that is too forgiving. For example, "The judge was "excessively lenient with" the defendant, giving them a light sentence."

What are some alternatives to "excessively lenient with"?

Alternatives include "overly permissive with", "unduly tolerant of", or "inordinately forgiving towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "excessively lenient with"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone is being far too forgiving or permissive, often resulting in negative consequences or setting a bad precedent. Consider the context to ensure the tone fits the situation.