overly conspicuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly conspicuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively noticeable or attention-grabbing, often in a negative context. Example: "The bright neon signs were overly conspicuous, drawing the eyes of every passerby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the tension between flamboyance and rigor, between the flagrant imperatives of power and the intense self-discipline that concentrates it, Hoffman made his own prodigious, sometimes overly conspicuous theatrical prowess the very subject of the film.

The New Yorker

CAIRO — The motorcade — armored, but not overly conspicuous in the snarled traffic — stopped at the edge of Tahrir Square on Wednesday morning, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton emerged for a stroll through the symbolic heart of an uprising that toppled an autocratic government the United States had long supported.

The New York Times

The form seems overly conspicuous, dated, and confusing I know, but I'm thirsty for a kind of crossover that is none of those things.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Too conspicuous.

The New York Times

Coward was too conspicuous.

The New York Times - Books

The bag was too conspicuous.

Forbes

They viewed the bid to extend Bouteflika's already overly long reign — made all the more conspicuous since a stroke in 2013 left him using a wheelchair — as the cynical ploy of a stale regime that refused to relinquish its domineering control over the state.

The Washington Post

"The author" -- who resembles an arch, luridly sentimental version of the narrator of Fielding's "Tom Jones" -- makes himself conspicuous, guiding the reader like an overly solicitous and overstimulated host through the maze of the story.

The New York Times - Books

In addition to being a notoriously inefficient procedure, animal cloning has produced many animals with conspicuous developmental problems, like respiratory illnesses and overly large placentas.

The New York Times - Science

To date, chemical communication in anurans has been overlooked by most studies (Belanger & Corkum, 2009; Houck, 1998, 2009; Waldman & Bishop, 2004; Woodley, 2010), probably because of the presence of more conspicuous signals (e.g. acoustic and visual) or overly costly and elaborate analyses necessary to investigate pheromones.

Animal Behaviour

Echinoderm diversity is typically higher in coastal regions than deeper waters [34], [59]; however, while echinoderms typically are a conspicuous and abundant component within intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats, they often are not overly diverse compared to other phyla [37], [60] [62].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overly conspicuous" when you want to emphasize that something is not just noticeable, but excessively so, often to the point of being inappropriate or undesirable. For example, "The security measures were so numerous they became overly conspicuous, alarming the visitors."

Common error

While "overly conspicuous" is acceptable, consider stronger, more precise alternatives in formal writing to avoid sounding vague. Instead of "The marketing was overly conspicuous", try "The marketing was excessively aggressive" to convey the specific issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly conspicuous" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is excessively noticeable or prominent. Ludwig AI examples show it describing theatrical prowess, motorcades, and developmental problems in animals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly conspicuous" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is excessively noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across various contexts. While "common", it is less frequent than simpler alternatives. The phrase is best used when you want to convey that something's visibility is not only high but also potentially undesirable. Remember to consider stronger alternatives for formal writing to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceedingly conspicuous

Emphasizes the extreme degree of conspicuousness.

excessively obvious

Highlights the overt and undeniable nature of being conspicuous.

unduly prominent

Suggests that the prominence is unwarranted or inappropriate.

too noticeable

Focuses on the ease with which something is observed.

blatantly obvious

Implies an open and unashamed conspicuousness.

flagrantly evident

Indicates a shocking or scandalous level of conspicuousness.

ostentatiously displayed

Suggests a deliberate effort to be conspicuous, often for show.

patently clear

Emphasizes the undeniable clarity of being conspicuous.

strikingly apparent

Highlights the immediate and powerful visibility.

boldly presented

Implies confidence and lack of concern about being conspicuous.

FAQs

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

You can use "overly conspicuous" to describe something that is excessively noticeable or attention-grabbing. For example, "The security cameras were "too conspicuous", making customers feel uneasy."

What are some alternatives to "overly conspicuous"?

Some alternatives include "excessively obvious", "unduly prominent", or "too noticeable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "too conspicuous" or "overly conspicuous"?

Both "overly conspicuous" and "too conspicuous" are correct. "Overly" implies more than necessary or desirable, while "too" simply means excessive. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "overly conspicuous" in writing?

Use "overly conspicuous" when you want to suggest that something's visibility is excessive and potentially negative or inappropriate. It's useful when the degree of noticeability is the problem, not just the fact of being noticed.