overly frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs more often than is considered normal or acceptable. Example: "The meetings have become overly frequent, making it difficult for us to focus on our actual work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Not that such victories were overly frequent.

The Guardian - Sport

A. Some patients may be told to try a kind of waiting therapy for an overly frequent urge to urinate, but only after other problems are ruled out, notably infections, which can irritate the bladder and decrease its capacity.

The New York Times

One tic, which seems to me not just a matter of careless wording, is his overly frequent use of the word "ironically" and its variants: "The tragic irony of cholera" was one thing, "the dominant irony of the state of British public health" was something else, the "dark irony" of the miasma theory was this, the "sad irony" of Snow's argument was that — and I could cite many other instances.

The New York Times - Books

However, reduction of shrubs and woody debris with overly frequent prescribed fire entries may reduce small mammal densities.

Forest Ecology and Management

However, the overly frequent use of reward power is likely to damage relational norms (Boyle et al. 1992) and cooperation (Skinner et al. 1992).

Agricultural and Food Economics

Moreover, since the number of times the batteries can be cycled is limited, and overly frequent charging and discharging may reduce the life span of batteries, the power allocation to an HESS is especially important.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Data on individual foods purchased in all shop formats may clarify the frequent, overly simple classification of grocers as 'healthy'healthy

BMC Public Health

• Allergies and their consequences — frequent sneezing and overly aggressive nose blowing.

The New York Times - Health

protected by an overly cozy board (or, in frequent cases like JP Morgan, where Jamie Dimon is both C.E.O. and chairman of his own board) gets rich if he succeeds but is not penalized when his performance is, well, meh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Minor disturbances may have a large impact on the airport surface operations due to the overly tight schedules, which results in frequent gate conflict occurrences during airport's daily operations.

Expert Systems with Applications

He suffered neurological damage, and today is overly sensitive to light and suffers frequent migraines.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly frequent", ensure it's followed by a specific noun. For instance, "overly frequent meetings" is clearer than just saying "overly frequent".

Common error

Avoid using "overly frequent" when a simpler adverb like "too" would suffice. Sometimes, "too frequent" provides better clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly frequent" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination, used to describe the degree or extent to which something occurs. This function aims at specifying that the frequency of something is excessive or undesirable. Ludwig's examples showcase usage in various contexts like news and scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly frequent" functions as a descriptor indicating that something occurs more often than is desired or acceptable. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in both scientific and news contexts. When writing, it's best to ensure the phrase is followed by a noun and to consider if simpler alternatives like "too frequent" might offer better clarity. The phrase carries a neutral register and a clear communicative purpose of disapproving of the frequency of certain events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too frequent

A simpler way of expressing that something occurs more often than desired.

excessively common

Emphasizes that something is more than commonly found, taking it to an extreme.

unduly frequent

Highlights that the frequency is inappropriate or unjustified.

inordinately frequent

Suggests that the frequency is beyond what is usual or reasonable.

overly common

Similar to "overly frequent" but usually applied to characteristics rather than events

unnecessarily frequent

Implies that the frequency serves no purpose or is not needed.

disproportionately frequent

Suggests that the frequency is out of proportion compared to other factors or occurrences.

repeatedly frequent

Focuses on the repetition of the occurrence, more than the occurrence itself

overmuch frequent

An archaic expression meaning excessively frequent, emphasizing its overuse.

exorbitantly frequent

Emphasizes that the frequency is excessively high, often implying an imbalance or unreasonableness.

FAQs

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

Use "overly frequent" to describe something happening more often than desired. For example, "The revisions to the document were "overly frequent", causing confusion".

What's a simple alternative to "overly frequent"?

A straightforward substitute for "overly frequent" is "too frequent". It conveys the same meaning with fewer syllables.

Which is more appropriate: "overly frequent" or "excessively frequent"?

Both "overly frequent" and "excessively frequent" are grammatically correct; however, the choice depends on the context. "Excessively frequent" might imply a greater degree of excessiveness.

In what situations is it best to use "overly frequent"?

"Overly frequent" is effective when you want to convey that something is not only happening often, but that this high frequency is undesirable or problematic. For instance, "Overly frequent use of antibiotics can lead to resistance".