over scrupulous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over scrupulous" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means excessively or overly concerned with morals or ethics. Example: The priest's over scrupulous nature often made him question even the smallest actions, causing him to second guess everything he did.

✓ Grammatically correct

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Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cicero was as able and ambitious as any of them, but he was over-scrupulous and naive and lacked the people or troops to stand up to them when things turned against him.

The Economist

Mr Bradley is determined that people should be allowed to continue to enjoy them, and is worried lest over-scrupulous editors emasculate them, or eradicate them altogether, on the often dubious grounds of political correctness or gender-inclusiveness.

The Economist

Both Laura and Marina are nervous, self-conscious, over-scrupulous about what they say and where they place themselves physically, and secretly envious of the Hungarians' bullet-proof incapacity for embarrassment.

The Guardian - Books

Welsh has never been over-scrupulous about having his characters speak for him, but it's disconcerting when he turns Begbie into a pulpit and starts delivering such unlikely lines as: "The truth is that we've moved beyond democracy, universality and equality in the eyes of the law and, de facto, embraced a hierarchical, elitist world view".

The Guardian - Books

Given More's relatively lonely stand against royal policy, conscience is a crucial term for him, as it touches on the soundness of his own motives, especially when these are criticized as over-scrupulous; and in the beast fable of Mother Maud he playfully navigates a course between the scrupulous conscience and the over-large or elastic conscience (CWM 12, 114 20).

SEP

The hero of the story, Jabez Clegg, meets a street boy named Kit Townley, of whom Mrs. Banks says: He knew him to be not over-scrupulous.

Wikipedia

Kagan's scant legal record will, undoubtedly, be pored over by scrupulous eyes.

Huffington Post

They decided to restrict themselves simply to describing behaviors that were visible to the human eye: they couldn't tell you why someone developed obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, but they were happy to observe that such a person is often "over-conscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality".

The New Yorker

Flip them over and note the scrupulous, verging-on-obsessive-compulsive pleats.

The New York Times - Food

The details of RAF bombing missions over Germany are scrupulous.

The Economist

People had criticised that as an empty gesture, but they were misled, the Russians had been very scrupulous over royalties.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over scrupulous", ensure the context clearly indicates that the excessive conscientiousness is creating a negative effect or is perceived as a flaw, not simply a positive trait. Avoid using it when praising someone's diligence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "over scrupulous" always implies a moral failing. It often describes someone whose extreme adherence to rules or ethics, while well-intentioned, hinders practical action or decision-making. Focus on the excess rather than inherent immorality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over scrupulous" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes the degree to which someone is scrupulous. It indicates that someone is excessively concerned with morals, ethics, or correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over scrupulous" is a valid adjective phrase used to describe someone excessively concerned with morals or ethics. While grammatically correct, its frequency is low, and it often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that this excessive concern might be impractical or detrimental. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and can be used in written English. When using "over scrupulous", ensure the context clarifies that the excessive conscientiousness is a flaw, and consider alternatives like "excessively conscientious" or "overly meticulous" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too scrupulous

Simpler phrasing indicating an excess of scrupulousness.

overly conscientious

A more direct synonym, simply replacing 'scrupulous' with 'conscientious'.

excessively conscientious

Emphasizes the extreme level of conscientiousness.

overly meticulous

Focuses on excessive attention to detail.

overly attentive to detail

Highlights the level of attention given to detail.

excessively ethical

Focuses specifically on an extreme adherence to ethical principles.

unduly fastidious

Highlights an excessive concern with neatness and detail.

excessively punctilious

Stresses adherence to rules or conventions.

excessively exacting

Focuses on imposing very high standards or requirements.

overly rigid

Highlights the inflexibility that can accompany excessive scrupulousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "over scrupulous" to describe someone who is excessively concerned with morals or ethics, sometimes to the point of being impractical. For example: "His "over scrupulous" attention to detail slowed down the project significantly."

What does "over scrupulous" mean?

The term "over scrupulous" describes someone who is excessively or unduly concerned with acting correctly and avoiding wrongdoing. This can manifest as extreme attention to detail, rigid adherence to rules, or constant self-questioning.

Which words are similar to "over scrupulous"?

Alternatives to "over scrupulous" include "excessively conscientious", "overly meticulous", and "unduly fastidious". The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "over scrupulous" a positive or negative trait?

While being scrupulous is generally positive, being "over scrupulous" often carries a negative connotation. It suggests that someone's concern for ethics or correctness is excessive and potentially detrimental, hindering efficiency or causing unnecessary anxiety.