overly comprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"overly comprehensive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that has more detail than is necessary or desired. For example: The report was overly comprehensive and contained far too much irrelevant detail.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Studies show that the new eSDS under REACH are seen as overly comprehensive and unintelligible, both by those compiling them and by users.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Studies show that the new extended safety data sheets under REACH are seen as overly comprehensive and unintelligible, both by those compiling them and by users.

Environmental Sciences Europe

GoodData, Zendesk, Assistly and Workday have all leveraged the cloud to build simpler solutions in markets dominated by big, clunky, overly comprehensive systems.

TechCrunch

Several studies mandated by the EU Commission within the REACH Review 2012 show that the safety data sheets are seen as overly comprehensive and unintelligible, both by those compiling them and by users.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The ideal person to use this text remains unclear, given the overly comprehensive nature for general medical interest and inadequate detail, references, and review questions for critical care board review.

Critical Care

Given the complexity of the response in Haiti (and elsewhere), and the rapid evolution and turnover of health services, it would be near impossible to implement an overly comprehensive or complex health information system during the acute phase of an emergency.

Conflict and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As an abortion counselor and advocate for improved access to abortion care, I felt Emily Bazelon's article on the integration of abortion provision into primary care and comprehensive obstetrics was overly optimistic.

The New York Times

Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospital heads, more than 70% of whom oppose the hiring of a chief inspector of hospitals, advised that the new inspection system needed to be "comprehensive without being overly burdensome" and not create extra bureaucracy.

The Guardian

Some British educators thought this system to be overly rigid, and after World War II many "comprehensive" schools, which combined elements of grammar, modern, and technical schools, were established, although many highly respected grammar schools survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We acknowledge that this filter may be overly conservative, however it remains useful as a globally comprehensive registry of native, naturalized and invaded country-level ranges are lacking.

Forest Ecosystems

Some administration officials argue that any comprehensive campaign to fight corruption inside Afghanistan is overly ambitious, with less than a year to go before the American military is set to begin withdrawing troops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly comprehensive", ensure that you are critiquing something that is genuinely excessive in its scope or detail, not simply complex or thorough. Use it to indicate that simplification or streamlining would be beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "overly comprehensive" when the subject is simply complex but requires a high level of detail. The phrase should be reserved for situations where the comprehensiveness itself is the problem, leading to inefficiency or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly comprehensive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe something as excessively thorough or detailed, often implying that this excess is detrimental. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in describing documents or systems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly comprehensive" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that includes excessive detail, often to its detriment. Ludwig AI confirms its use, particularly in scientific and news contexts. It's important to use this phrase when the level of detail is genuinely problematic, not merely complex. Alternatives such as ""unnecessarily detailed"" and ""excessively thorough"" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. While relatively uncommon, mastering its usage adds precision to your critical vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly detailed

Synonymous, directly focusing on the excessive level of detail.

unnecessarily comprehensive

Indicates that the comprehensiveness is not needed or warranted.

excessively detailed

Focuses on the level of detail being beyond what is required.

unnecessarily thorough

Highlights the lack of necessity in the level of thoroughness.

unduly thorough

Suggests that the thoroughness is beyond reasonable expectations.

needlessly exhaustive

Emphasizes that the exhaustiveness is not justified or necessary.

too extensive

Highlights that the scope is beyond what is suitable.

unduly elaborate

Focuses on the complexity and detail being more than is required.

overly elaborate

Suggests unnecessary complexity and detail.

excessively broad

Indicates the scope is wider than necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "overly comprehensive" to describe something that includes more details or information than is necessary. For example, "The report was "overly comprehensive", making it difficult to extract the key findings."

What are some alternatives to "overly comprehensive"?

Alternatives to "overly comprehensive" include "unnecessarily detailed", "excessively thorough", or "unduly complex". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be "comprehensive" or avoid being "overly comprehensive"?

Being "comprehensive" is generally positive, indicating thoroughness. However, being "overly comprehensive" suggests that the level of detail is excessive and detrimental. Strive for comprehensiveness without being "unnecessarily detailed".

What's the difference between "comprehensive" and "overly comprehensive"?

"Comprehensive" means complete and thorough, while "overly comprehensive" implies that something is too detailed or broad, making it difficult to use or understand. The addition of "overly" adds a negative connotation, suggesting excess.