over reliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over reliance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to an excessive or excessive and unnecessary dependence on something or someone. Example: The company's over reliance on a single supplier has left them vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Just three years later, he took over Reliance, a stodgy insurance company.

The New York Times

There are monsters, but not an over reliance on them.

Huffington Post

The literature is characterised by an over reliance on bibliometric methods to assess research impact.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It also fingers an over-reliance on short-term debt.

The Economist

"The over-reliance on property taxes is the problem.

The New York Times

But over-reliance on one source can be a problem.

The Guardian

London's over-reliance on the financial services sector makes it uniquely vulnerable to economic shocks.

The Guardian

Our over-reliance on behavioral economics is not limited to health care.

The New York Times

The problem is not so much the drought but our over-reliance on this single crop.

The New York Times

One attraction is that it eases the over-reliance on monetary policy.

The Economist

"One of the problems we suffer from is the over-reliance on bank lending.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over reliance", consider specifying what the reliance is on. This provides context and clarity to your writing. For example, instead of saying "There is an over reliance", specify "There is an over reliance on technology".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "over reliance" without clarifying what is being relied upon. Always specify the object of reliance to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clear. For example, instead of "The problem is over reliance", write "The problem is "over reliance on fossil fuels"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over reliance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of excessive dependence, as confirmed by Ludwig and its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over reliance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes an excessive or inappropriate level of dependence on something. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is frequently employed in news, scientific, and formal contexts to express concerns about potential risks and negative consequences associated with such dependence. When using "over reliance", it's crucial to specify the object of reliance for clarity. Consider alternatives like "excessive dependence" or "undue reliance" to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful to avoid ambiguity by always clarifying what is being relied upon. By paying attention to these details, you can ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive dependence

Emphasizes the degree of dependence, focusing on it being beyond what is reasonable.

undue dependence

Highlights that the dependence is inappropriate or unwarranted.

inordinate reliance

Indicates that the reliance is excessive and disproportionate.

over dependence

A more informal and direct synonym.

excessive dependence on

Specifies that the dependence is on a particular thing or person.

undue weight

Shifts the focus from reliance to the importance given to something.

disproportionate dependence

Emphasizes that the dependence is not balanced or appropriate.

excessive faith

Implies that the reliance is based on belief rather than evidence.

heavy reliance

Indicates a significant degree of dependence without necessarily implying negativity.

over-dependence on

Highlights a strong connection that can be unhealthy.

FAQs

How can I use "over reliance" in a sentence?

You can use "over reliance" to describe a situation where something is depended on too much. For example, "The company's "over reliance on one supplier" makes it vulnerable to disruptions."

What are some alternatives to "over reliance"?

Alternatives include "excessive dependence", "undue reliance", or "inordinate reliance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "over reliance on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and common to use "over reliance on" to indicate that something is depended on too much. For instance, "The country's "over reliance on tourism" makes it susceptible to economic downturns."

What's the difference between "over reliance" and "dependence"?

"Dependence" simply means relying on something, while "over reliance" specifically implies that the reliance is excessive or inappropriate. For example, dependence on technology is normal in modern life, but "over reliance on technology" can lead to problems.