linger overly long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "linger overly long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something stays in a place or situation for an excessive amount of time. Example: "During the meeting, he tended to linger overly long on each topic, causing the discussion to drag on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Platt doesn't linger overly long on the parallels between this civil war and America's, but it is among his central points that Britain's disastrous intervention, for trade reasons, on the side of the dynasty in this Chinese war prevented it from becoming involved in ours.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Don't linger too long.

The New York Times - Travel

They stay but don't linger too long.

The New York Times

Let's not linger too long on The Big Wedding.

The Guardian - Film

But let us not linger too long on his triumph.

Huffington Post

Don't linger too long at first.

WikiHow

Holiday Season will not linger too long.

WikiHow

Do not linger too long in the grieving period.

WikiHow

Don't linger too long on the gift.

WikiHow

Don't linger too long — just long enough to make her wish you'd stay.

WikiHow

This visual would feel overly obvious if Ms. Taylor-Wood lingered too long on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "linger overly long" when you want to emphasize that the duration of something is not just long, but excessively so. Consider context to ensure the adverb "overly" adds meaningful emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using other adverbs with similar meanings near "linger overly long", such as "linger excessively overly long". Choose the most precise adverb to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "linger overly long" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action (lingering) is performed, specifying that it is done for an excessive duration. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "linger overly long" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon way to express that something or someone is staying or dwelling for an excessive amount of time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Though rare, its primary use is found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider whether the emphasis on "overly" is necessary and if simpler alternatives like "stay too long" might be more effective. Be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure that the surrounding text complements the phrase's intent of highlighting excessive duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay too long

Focuses on exceeding a reasonable duration in a place or situation.

prolong one's presence

Emphasizes the act of deliberately extending how long one remains.

draw out unnecessarily

Highlights the element of the action/activity being extended beyond what's required or beneficial.

tarry excessively

Implies a leisurely or perhaps unwanted delay.

remain longer than necessary

States directly that the duration exceeds what is required.

continue for an extended period

Emphasizes the length of the continuation.

stretch out the duration

Focuses on making something last longer.

overstay one's welcome

Implies that remaining longer is impolite or unwanted by others.

dwell on excessively

Indicates spending too much time thinking or talking about something.

extend beyond the limit

Highlights that a certain limit was trespassed.

FAQs

How can I use "linger overly long" in a sentence?

You can use "linger overly long" to describe someone spending too much time on a specific point or in a certain place. For example, "During the presentation, he tended to "linger overly long" on the introductory slides".

What are some alternatives to "linger overly long"?

Alternatives include "stay too long", "prolong one's presence", or "draw out unnecessarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "linger overly long"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although it is not a very common phrase. The adverb "overly" modifies the verb "linger" and the adverb "long", indicating an excessive duration.

What is the difference between "linger too long" and "linger overly long"?

"Linger too long" suggests spending more time than is appropriate or desired, whereas "linger overly long" emphasizes that the duration is excessive to a degree that might be noticeable or problematic. The latter carries a stronger connotation of inappropriateness or excess.