overabundance of elements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overabundance of elements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an excessive quantity of various components or factors present. Example: "The overabundance of elements in the ecosystem has led to significant changes in the local biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Credit: Illustration: CXC/M.Weiss; Spectrum: NASA/CXC/N.Butler et al. A 21-hour Chandra observation of the afterglow of the gamma-ray burst GRB 020813 revealed an overabundance of elements characteristically ejected by the supernova explosion of a massive star.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Old, uneroded meteorites found on the Antarctic ice sheets contain overabundances of certain elements (especially the residues of some mildly radioactive metals, such as iron and aluminum), implying that the genesis of our Solar System might have begun with the concussion of a nearby supernova ~5 billion years ago.

Harvard University

On the other hand, the Müller element F in D. ananassae is fully heterochromatic and does not recombine (Schaeffer et al. 2008), and therefore, the overabundance of this kind of elements is expected.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Overabundance of the mobile element (i.e. the receptor) gives rise to the fastest accumulation time.

BMC Systems Biology

Several philosophers have noted that an overabundance of any of the elements of gratitude, beyond the level called for by some genuine act of benevolence, might also constitute a moral failing of a certain kind.

SEP

Tests were significant for the two elements owing to an overabundance of classes with positive correlation coefficients.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Yet, the frequency distribution of all elements, including those retrieved from the database, shows an overabundance of rare inserts in Florida.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The overabundance of A/T homopolymer tracts may reflect unique origins of the A/T homopolymers from A/T rich transposable elements [ 16, 17] or base specific mutational patterns in repetitive sequence motifs [ 14, 17].

BMC Genomics

The overabundance of cash engendered bad habits.

The New York Times

There was an overabundance of spectacular tricks.

The New York Times

"There's an overabundance of supply.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overabundance of elements", ensure the context clearly indicates why this excess is significant. Is it causing a problem, or is it beneficial?

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "abundance" and "overabundance". "Abundance" simply means a plentiful quantity, while "overabundance" implies an excessive amount, often with negative connotations. Using "abundance" when you actually mean "overabundance" can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overabundance of elements" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state where the quantity of elements exceeds what is considered normal or desirable. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in scientific contexts to describe phenomena such as supernova explosions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overabundance of elements" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an excessive quantity of elements, often in scientific and technical contexts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, it's important to distinguish it from a simple "abundance", as "overabundance" implies a potentially problematic excess. Related phrases include "surplus of elements" and "excess of elements". Be mindful of using it correctly to convey the intended meaning of an imbalanced or unusual composition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Surplus of elements

Replaces "overabundance" with "surplus", indicating an excess.

Excess of elements

Uses "excess" instead of "overabundance", suggesting a quantity beyond what is needed or normal.

Profusion of elements

Substitutes "overabundance" with "profusion", implying a large quantity.

Glut of elements

Replaces "overabundance" with "glut", suggesting an excessive supply.

Superabundance of elements

Uses "superabundance" to emphasize the excessive nature further.

Plethora of elements

Replaces "overabundance" with "plethora", indicating a great number.

Overload of elements

Suggests that the quantity of elements is beyond capacity.

Saturation of elements

Implies that the environment is filled to its maximum capacity with elements.

Abundance of elements

Indicates a plentiful quantity, though not necessarily excessive.

High concentration of elements

Focuses on the density of elements rather than the overall quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "overabundance of elements" in a sentence?

You can use "overabundance of elements" to describe situations where there's an excessive quantity of components, such as "The gamma-ray burst revealed an "overabundance of elements" characteristically ejected by a supernova."

What's the difference between "abundance of elements" and "overabundance of elements"?

"Abundance of elements" refers to a plentiful supply, while "overabundance of elements" suggests an excessive amount, often leading to negative consequences. The key difference is the implication of excessiveness and its potential impact.

What can I say instead of "overabundance of elements"?

Alternatives include "surplus of elements", "excess of elements", or "profusion of elements", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "overabundance of elements" a formal or informal phrase?

"Overabundance of elements" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in scientific and technical writing due to its descriptive nature. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience.