overly full

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly full" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively filled or packed beyond a normal or comfortable level. Example: "The suitcase was overly full, making it difficult to close the zipper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The cashier stood there, flustered, as the man began to unload his overly full basket.

The New York Times

But his tactile surfaces and compositions start to feel regimented and sometimes overly full.

The New York Times - Arts

(This is as good a place as any for a perhaps overly full disclosure.

The New Yorker

He speak English very well and he can be translator," Yakov Babayev said quietly, sitting stiffly in a straight-backed chair in his overly full living room.

The New York Times

Even though I might have the opportunity to stuff my face for this last meal, I don't really enjoy feeling overly full … That said, in the evening, as the sun goes down, we'd have a fire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Children who develop secondary enuresis — that is, they are fully dry for six months, then begin wetting again — may have infections, constipation (an overly full bowel can put pressure on the bladder) or a variety of other problems, including behavioral and psychological issues.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A paper which said that overly-full inboxes are a problem, but live with it, wouldn't be much use.

The Economist

With no evolutionary biologists on their faculties, no resources to hire them, and an overly-full curriculum, only a very occasional far-sighted dean and faculty will be able to bring evolutionary biology into the curriculum.

Evolutionary Applications

You're annoying, overly emotional, full of yourself, and a liar.

The New York Times

She controlled it all, and her mood – tired, overly intellectual; full of art, rather than pop – was what dominated.

The Guardian - Music

Watch out for warrants, vesting clauses that are overly punitive, full-ratchet anti-dilution clauses and stuff like that.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overly full" when you want to indicate that something is filled beyond a comfortable or functional limit. Consider the context to ensure the adverb "overly" accurately conveys the intended degree of fullness.

Common error

Avoid using "overly full" simply as a synonym for "very full". "Overly" implies a negative consequence or excess that is not always present when something is merely "very full".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly full" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is filled to an excessive or undesirable degree. Ludwig provides various examples where it describes physical objects (e.g., basket, suitcase) or sensations (e.g., feeling after eating).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Overly full" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something exceeding a desirable or functional limit of fullness. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in News & Media, Wiki and Science context. When using the phrase, consider if something is simply "very full" versus excessively so. Alternatives such as "excessively full" or "too full" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. With its relatively high frequency and consistent usage across diverse sources, "overly full" remains a versatile and accepted expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessively full

Replaces "overly" with "excessively", offering a more formal tone.

Too full

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic components, reducing formality.

Completely filled

Emphasizes the state of being filled entirely, rather than exceeding a limit.

Overflowing

Suggests a more extreme state where contents are spilling out.

Stuffed to capacity

Uses a more descriptive and vivid term for being filled to the maximum.

Packed to the brim

Provides a visual metaphor of being filled to the very top.

Saturated

Implies a state of being completely permeated or soaked.

Congested

Focuses on the idea of being blocked or overcrowded.

Oversupplied

Specifically relates to having an excess of something available.

Overloaded

Implies excessive burden or strain due to being full.

FAQs

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

You can use "overly full" to describe a container, a feeling after eating, or a schedule. For example, "The suitcase was "overly full", making it difficult to close" or "I felt "overly full" after the large meal".

What can I say instead of "overly full"?

You can use alternatives like "excessively full", "too full", or "completely filled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "overly full"?

Yes, it is correct to say "overly full". It's a common way to describe something that is filled beyond a desirable or functional level, as shown by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "overly full" and "very full"?

"Overly full" implies that something is filled to an excessive degree, often with negative consequences, while "very full" simply indicates a high degree of fullness without necessarily implying a problem. For example, "The glass is "very full"" is neutral, but "The glass is "overly full"" suggests it might spill.