overly verbose

USAGE SUMMARY

"overly verbose" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that uses more words than necessary, or is excessively wordy. For example, "The author's explanation was overly verbose, making it difficult for readers to follow his train of thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I find reasons to talk on the phone without being overly verbose.

University of Pennsylvania

And Anne was so complicated and real: so overly verbose, earnest, imaginative, fragile yet strong, bad-tempered yet sweet.

The Guardian

Mr. Thomas acknowledges that he has a temper, but said that he unleashed it mostly on the deserving: those both ill-prepared and overly verbose.

The New York Times

Anyone who has read many press pitches knows that they can become overly verbose, filled with unneeded backstory, explanations, and quotes.

TechCrunch

Yes, there's a hard-drinking detective in Oh, Murderer Mine; there's a pretty girl whose associates are dropping dead; there's even an overly verbose (and unlikely) explanation of everything that happened at the end.

Forbes

If you're chained to these money media broadcasters, who concoct an endless stream of content and feature overly verbose professional prognosticators debating current valuations, consider turning off your television or unplugging your newsfeed and spend some quiet time analyzing the sources of return within your prospective investments.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We found the "weight.ratio" method of topGO too stringent and the "classic" one too "verbose".

BMC Systems Biology

Early sound films were often noted for being too verbose.

Wikipedia

However, others have criticized Rice's writing style as both verbose and overly philosophical.

Wikipedia

Unexpectedly, the prince comes out of it better than the government.In his letters, dubbed the "black spider" memos, a reference to his poor penmanship, the prince comes across as worthy, verbose and overly fond of herbal medicine and of the exclamation mark.

The Economist

(verbose = 0) Verbose level.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly verbose", ensure it accurately reflects the situation and avoid exaggerating the degree of wordiness. Consider if a simpler phrasing might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "overly verbose" when the subject is merely detailed or thorough, rather than unnecessarily wordy. Accurate assessment is crucial for constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly verbose" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns or pronouns to describe something as excessively wordy or lengthy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing writing, speech, or explanations that use more words than necessary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly verbose" is a valid phrase used to describe something excessively wordy. While grammatically correct and understood, it's not as common as other similar phrases. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is employed across various contexts, especially in news, media, and academic settings. When writing or speaking, consider if your message is clear and concise; avoiding "overly verbose" language can make your communication more effective and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively wordy

Emphasizes the abundance of words used.

unduly long-winded

Highlights the unnecessary length and indirectness of the communication.

excessively lengthy

Focuses on the extended duration or extent of the communication.

needlessly prolix

Indicates unnecessary and excessive detail or length.

unnecessarily elaborate

Suggests the communication is more detailed or complex than required.

excessively detailed

Points out the surplus of detail provided.

too garrulous

Highlights excessive talkativeness.

unduly loquacious

Emphasizes excessive and often rambling talkativeness.

unnecessarily diffuse

Implies the communication lacks focus and clarity due to excessive length.

excessively circuitous

Focuses on the indirect and roundabout nature of the communication.

FAQs

What does "overly verbose" mean?

The phrase "overly verbose" describes something that uses more words than necessary, making it excessively wordy or lengthy.

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

You can use "overly verbose" to describe writing, speech, or explanations that are unnecessarily wordy. For example, "The report was "overly verbose", and difficult to understand".

What are some alternatives to "overly verbose"?

Alternatives to "overly verbose" include "excessively wordy", "long-winded", or "prolix".

Is it better to be concise or risk being "overly verbose"?

While providing enough detail is important, being concise is generally preferred. Being "overly verbose" can confuse or bore your audience. Aim for clarity and efficiency in your communication.