over-explanatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "over-explanatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone provides too much information that is unnecessary or unhelpful. For example, "His explanation of the procedure was over-explanatory and too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Wallace's style often seemed to me bludgeoningly over-explanatory.

The Guardian - Books

Some novels are more obvious about revealing themselves than others – crudely over-explanatory and making sure the reader gets everything – and other novels move in the opposite direction, showing themselves in more indirect ways.

The Guardian - Books

The futility of this exercise is reflected in lengthy descriptive passages that fail to justify the space they take up, and in silly over-explanatory dialogue that reads like bloated word-balloons floating out of a void.

The New York Times - Books

It is all tremendously striking but, to me, it comes over too much like an artful "demonstration" of the poem, an impression reinforced by Shaw's over-explanatory colouring of the verse.

Independent

Like the five-year-old that I am, I fabricate an obviously fake, over-explanatory explanation.

Huffington Post

The setup here can be repetitive and over-explanatory at times.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Another database was created to describe each LFSM using selected keywords for over 20 explanatory categories.

Ecological Modelling

She has developed a number of tools and methods like textured three-dimensional versions of famous paintings that people can run their hands over, with explanatory tapes that are activated when someone stands in front of them.

The New York Times

The only fault is over-emphatic, explanatory music accompanying each episode; all that is needed is a searing silence and the terrible screech of the buzzer summoning people to work.

The Guardian

In total over 50 explanatory variables were produced.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Machine learning algorithms, such as random-forest approaches, have several advantages over traditional explanatory statistical modeling, such as lack of a predefined hypothesis, making it less likely to overlook unexpected predictor variables or potential interactions.

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over-explanatory", ensure it accurately reflects the situation. It's most effective when the excessive detail hinders understanding, rather than enhancing it. Consider if a simpler explanation would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "over-explanatory" simply because an explanation is long. The key is whether the length contributes to confusion. A detailed explanation can be necessary, but if it's meandering and adds little value, then "over-explanatory" becomes appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "over-explanatory" functions as an adjective, typically modifying nouns like "explanation", "dialogue", or "description". As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests an excess of detail that hinders understanding. It describes something providing more explanation than necessary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over-explanatory" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something that provides too much detail, hindering rather than helping understanding. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears in diverse contexts like news, media, science, and encyclopedias. When using it, consider whether excessive detail genuinely impairs comprehension. Alternatives like "excessively detailed" or "needlessly verbose" offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. The examples demonstrate its applicability in various writing styles. It's a useful tool for critiquing communication styles where simplicity would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly detailed

A more direct synonym, simply indicating too much detail.

excessively detailed

Emphasizes the high level of detail, potentially more than necessary.

too verbose

Similar to needlessly verbose, but shorter and more direct.

needlessly verbose

Highlights the unnecessary use of words and complexity.

unduly elaborate

Focuses on the excessive complexity and intricacy.

long-winded

Suggests an explanation that is unnecessarily lengthy.

excessively discursive

Suggests straying too far from the main topic with details.

unnecessarily complicated

Points out the needless complexity in the explanation.

rambling

Implies a lack of focus and a tendency to stray from the main point.

tediously thorough

Highlights the boredom induced by excessive thoroughness.

FAQs

What does "over-explanatory" mean?

The term "over-explanatory" describes something, typically an explanation, that provides too much detail, often to the point of being unnecessary or confusing. It implies that a simpler explanation would have been more effective.

How can I use "over-explanatory" in a sentence?

You might say, "The instruction manual was so "overly detailed" that it became "over-explanatory", making it hard to understand the basic steps."

What are some alternatives to "over-explanatory"?

Alternatives include "excessively detailed", "needlessly verbose", or "unnecessarily complicated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always bad to be "over-explanatory"?

Not always. In certain contexts, like legal documents or scientific research, thoroughness is crucial. However, in everyday communication, being "over-explanatory" can frustrate your audience and obscure the main message.