far too frequently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too frequently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something happens more often than desired or acceptable. Example: "The team has been meeting far too frequently, which is affecting our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Far too frequently, women are given token positions in peace processes.

The Guardian

The trouble with basketball, however, is that scoring happens far too frequently.

The New York Times - Sports

Far too frequently there were turnovers as the United States was unable to maintain any meaningful possession.

The New York Times

They have no sympathy with the tough men, the men who tote guns and use them far too frequently".

The New York Times

Maybe I've experienced particularly challenging schools, but kids not doing what they're supposed to seems to happen far too frequently.

The Guardian

In his introduction to his report, Sheriff Bill Brown said: "Sadly, terrible crimes like this occur far too frequently".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Another is mentioned far too infrequently, though frequently still.

The Guardian - Opinion

That connector, designed to bend without kinking, can develop leaks if stretched too far or bent too frequently.

The New York Times

Many caseworkers responsible for the fate of troubled families are so inadequately trained, the report concluded, that they often cannot discern what families need, refer parents and children to inappropriate services and remove troubled teenagers from their families and place them in group homes far too swiftly and frequently.

The New York Times

And although I've made lots of progress during the last 30+ years or so, the truth is I still often take the opinions of others far too personally, and I frequently care too much what others think of me -- especially when it has to do with something I hold dear to heart.

Huffington Post

And it provides further proof that the American justice system is imperfect at best, and frequently far too flawed to rely on capital punishment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far too frequently" to emphasize that something undesirable or unexpected is happening more often than it should. It adds a stronger emotional tone than simply saying "frequently".

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, overuse of "far too frequently" can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic in formal reports. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "excessively often" or "unduly often" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too frequently" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the frequency of an action or event. It emphasizes that something happens more often than is desirable or acceptable. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "far too frequently" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize that something occurs more often than desired. Ludwig confirms its usability and provides numerous real-world examples across diverse contexts. It carries a neutral register and is most prominently featured in news and media. When using "far too frequently", be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal writing and consider using synonyms for variety. The phrase serves to convey disapproval or concern about the excessive frequency of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively often

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the frequency.

much too often

Highlights the undesirable high frequency of an event.

overly frequent

Indicates a frequency that is more than necessary or desirable.

unduly often

Suggests that the frequency is inappropriate or unwarranted.

with excessive regularity

Focuses on the regularity of the occurrence being excessive.

more often than necessary

Directly states that the frequency exceeds what is needed.

too many times

Highlights the number of occurrences as being excessive.

all too common

Emphasizes the negative aspect of something happening so often.

with undue repetition

Suggests an unnecessary and unwelcome recurrence.

on too many occasions

Similar to "too many times" but emphasizes specific instances.

FAQs

How can I use "far too frequently" in a sentence?

You can use "far too frequently" to express that something happens more often than is desirable or acceptable. For example, "The company is experiencing system outages "far too frequently", disrupting productivity."

What are some alternatives to "far too frequently"?

Alternatives to "far too frequently" include "excessively often", "much too often", or "overly frequent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "too frequently" and "far too frequently"?

Yes, "far too frequently" is more emphatic than "too frequently". It adds a stronger sense of disapproval or concern about the frequency of the event.

When is it appropriate to use "far too frequently" in writing?

"Far too frequently" is suitable when you want to express concern or disapproval about how often something is happening, indicating it's more than what is acceptable or desirable. For example, "Mistakes are occurring "far too frequently", suggesting a need for better training."