overly cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

"overly cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is excessively careful or hesitant. For example, "He was overly cautious when crossing the street, stopping to check for cars every few steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Censors are overly cautious.

The New York Times

We became overly cautious.

The Guardian

We've been overly cautious.

The New York Times - Sports

She's wooden and overly cautious!

The Guardian

"Maybe we were overly cautious," he said.

The New Yorker

"He thinks we're overly cautious," Cashman said.

The New York Times - Sports

So we'll be overly cautious about it"..

The New York Times - Sports

"That approach may have been overly cautious.

The Guardian

Overly cautious perhaps, but logical... .. Bah.

The Guardian - Sport

The Japanese government called the report overly cautious.

The New York Times

"Midweek," stresses their overly cautious singer and lyricist Orlando Weeks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior as "overly cautious", provide specific examples to illustrate the extent of their caution and its potential impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the negative consequences of being "overly cautious". While it can hinder progress, it doesn't always lead to catastrophic outcomes; maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly cautious" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns or pronouns, describing a state of being excessively careful or hesitant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overly cautious" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes a state of being excessively careful or hesitant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, typically expressing a judgment about behavior or approach. While frequently found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, like "excessively careful" or "unduly prudent", allows for more precise and impactful writing. The phrase is best used with specific examples and a balanced perspective to avoid overstating the negative consequences of caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively careful

Emphasizes the degree of carefulness being beyond what is necessary.

unduly prudent

Highlights that the prudence is not justified by the situation.

excessively circumspect

Focuses on being unwilling to take risks, more formal.

unnecessarily wary

Highlights the lack of necessity for the wariness.

overly circumspect

Similar to 'excessively circumspect' but more common.

inordinately careful

Stresses that the level of care is unusually high.

too careful for comfort

Suggests the carefulness is causing anxiety or limitations.

playing it too safe

An idiomatic expression for avoiding risks completely.

taking excessive precautions

Focuses on the actions taken to ensure safety.

on the side of caution

Implies a general inclination to avoid risks.

FAQs

How can I use "overly cautious" in a sentence?

You can use "overly cautious" to describe someone's behavior or a particular approach. For example, "The government's response to the crisis was "overly cautious", leading to delays in providing assistance."

What are some alternatives to saying "overly cautious"?

Alternatives to "overly cautious" include "excessively careful", "unduly prudent", or "playing it too safe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cautious" and "overly cautious"?

"Cautious" implies being careful and avoiding risks, while "overly cautious" suggests that the level of care is excessive and potentially hindering progress or decision-making. Being "cautious" is generally positive, while being "overly cautious" can be detrimental.

In what situations might being "overly cautious" be a negative trait?

Being "overly cautious" can be a negative trait in situations that require quick decision-making or risk-taking, such as in business negotiations or emergency situations. It can lead to missed opportunities or delayed responses.