overly precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively detailed or exact, often to the point of being impractical or unnecessary. Example: "While the report was informative, it was overly precise, making it difficult for the average reader to grasp the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Maybe you could say she was overly precise sometimes, not especially creative, or lacking in soul.

The New Yorker

At the overly precise 3.42pm it's the final of the women's trampoline gymnastics.

The Guardian - Sport

You will blend them later, so there's no need to be overly precise.

The New York Times

Her skilled but overly precise band didn't help; the mix made it sound like a backing track.

The New York Times - Arts

But maybe taking a shot, getting it wrong and reacting quickly is better than being ultra-conservative or overly precise.

The Guardian

Research on overconfidence shows that negotiators' estimates whether of a counterpart's reservation price or some other quantity typically are overly precise.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Although the Richardson system was praised for its precision, it could be too precise, producing overly long classification numbers.

Princeton University

Overly-precise conservation targets can reduce habitat variability at multiple scales, with unintended consequences for future ecological resilience.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

This allows them to make big, bold, statements about their identity and character and values rather than wallowing around in overly-precise, overly-pedantic language and data.

The New York Times

(Again, without implying too much precision for the boundaries. An uncertainty distribution should itself not be stated in an overly-precise manner).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

To maximize the performance improvement, cached approximations must be of appropriate precision: approximations that are too precise easily become invalid, requiring frequent refreshing, while overly imprecise approximations are likely to be useless to applications, which must then bypass the cache.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly precise", consider whether the level of detail is actually necessary and beneficial for your audience. Ensure it doesn't obscure the main points or create confusion.

Common error

Don't assume that "overly precise" is always a positive attribute. In many contexts, excessive detail can be detrimental to clarity and effectiveness. Consider if simplifying or summarizing information would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly precise" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a noun or concept. It indicates that something possesses a level of precision that is excessive or unnecessary. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed grammatically correct and appears across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overly precise" serves to describe something that is excessively detailed or exact, often to the point of being impractical or unnecessary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across different domains. It's important to consider whether the level of detail is truly necessary, as excessive precision can sometimes hinder clarity and comprehension. Alternatives such as "excessively detailed" or "unduly exact" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. When writing, evaluate the audience and context to avoid being "overly precise" and obscuring the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly meticulous

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the extreme care and attention to detail.

excessively detailed

Focuses on the abundance of details, implying it may be unnecessary.

unduly exact

Emphasizes that the precision is not justified or appropriate.

excessively rigorous

Implies a strict adherence to standards that might be unnecessary.

hyper-accurate

Highlights an extreme degree of accuracy, possibly beyond what's needed.

meticulously thorough

Stresses the careful and exhaustive nature of the precision.

nitpickingly accurate

Suggests a focus on very small and often unimportant details for accuracy.

overelaborate

Describes excessive detail or complexity.

pointlessly exact

Highlights the lack of purpose or benefit in being so precise.

scrupulously detailed

Emphasizes the ethical or moral aspect of being extremely detailed.

FAQs

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

You can use "overly precise" to describe something that is excessively detailed or exact. For example, "The instructions were "overly precise", making them difficult to follow."

What are some alternatives to saying "overly precise"?

Alternatives include "excessively detailed", "unduly exact", or "overly meticulous", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation associated with the phrase "overly precise"?

Yes, "overly precise" often implies that the level of detail is unnecessary or even detrimental. It suggests that the precision is excessive and may hinder understanding or efficiency.

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

"Precise" simply means accurate and exact. "Overly precise", on the other hand, suggests that the accuracy is excessive and potentially counterproductive. The addition of "overly" adds a negative connotation.