overly small

USAGE SUMMARY

"overly small" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is too small or excessively small. It can be used in a sentence in a variety of contexts, such as: - "The font size on this document is overly small, making it difficult to read." - "I couldn't fit all of my clothes in the suitcase because it was overly small." - "The portions at this restaurant are overly small, I'm still hungry after finishing my meal." - "The puppy's collar was overly small and kept slipping off, so we had to get a larger size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

However, an overly small epoch size would impair system recognition.

Expert Systems with Applications

However, overly small particles are unsuitable because the pigments may enter the pores of the skin.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

However, overly small particles have a major shortcoming in that they enter the pores of the skin [3].

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Some of this period was not well-defined in AMPERE integration (Connors et al. 2014), due to overly small (i.e., below noise threshold) current densities.

Earth, Planets and Space

Thus, the step-size for gradient descent must be chosen sufficiently small, in order to ensure the convergence (however, an overly small step-size results in slow speed of convergence).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

An overly small static droop coefficient is likely lead to WTG instability, while an overly large coefficient tends to induce noticeable oscillations in active power output during frequency recovery [4].

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Use common, popular fonts such as Arial, Tahoma, or Times New Roman in a size such as 8-point font, which is not overly large or too small.

WikiHow

While you would want to include as much as possible on the small sheet of paper, remember if the font is too small you will overly focus on your cheat-sheet thereby increasing your chances of getting caught.

WikiHow

We have seen it in the Department of Interior during the Gulf oil spill, during the horror show of FEMA during Katrina, and when we analyze the overuse of contractors by an overly-small military presence during the War in Iraq.

Huffington Post

The likelihood that the analysts will get it right this time seems too small to make one overly nervous.

The New York Times

In fact, too small values of λ yield overly oscillatory estimates owing to either noise or discontinuities; too large values of λ yield over smoothed estimates.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly small", ensure it clearly conveys that the size is causing a problem or is inappropriate for the intended purpose. Consider if a more specific adjective would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "overly small" simply as a generic descriptor of size. Instead, focus on why the smallness is problematic, replacing it with stronger and more descriptive language. For example, instead of "the screen was overly small", try "the screen was too cramped to display the data clearly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly small" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something is excessively or inappropriately small, often implying a negative consequence or unsuitability. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overly small" is a correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something excessively or inappropriately small. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it deliberately, ensuring it adds value beyond a simple description of size. Consider more specific and descriptive adjectives when possible to enhance clarity. In summary, "overly small" is a useful phrase when you want to convey that the smallness of something is causing a problem or is unsuitable for its intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively small

Emphasizes that the smallness is beyond what is normal or acceptable.

unduly small

Suggests the smallness is inappropriate or unwarranted.

inordinately small

Highlights that the smallness is beyond what is reasonable or expected.

disproportionately small

Indicates the size is not in proper relation to other elements.

unnecessarily small

Implies the smallness serves no purpose or benefit.

unacceptably small

Stresses the smallness is below a required or tolerable level.

exaggeratedly small

Implies that the smallness is emphasized more than it is in reality.

extremely small

Simply indicates a high degree of smallness, without necessarily implying a negative consequence.

minuscule

Refers to something that is extremely small, almost to the point of being insignificant.

tiny

Describes something that is very small, often in a cute or endearing way.

FAQs

What does "overly small" mean?

The phrase "overly small" describes something that is excessively or inappropriately small, often implying that the size is causing a problem or is not suitable for its intended purpose.

What can I say instead of "overly small"?

You can use alternatives like "excessively small", "unduly small", or "disproportionately small" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "overly small"?

Yes, "overly small" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is too small or inappropriately sized.

When is it appropriate to use "overly small"?

Use "overly small" when you want to emphasize that the size is not just small, but also problematic or unsuitable for a particular purpose. For example, "The font was "too small" to read comfortably", implying the size caused difficulty.