the overuse of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the overuse of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the excessive or inappropriate use of something. For example, "Many students are suffering from the overuse of digital devices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The overuse of antibiotics has not helped.

The New York Times - Health

The overuse of software can damage music, though.

The Guardian - Music

If you will excuse the overuse of exclamation marks!

The Guardian - Books

The overuse of services explains some of the variation.

The Economist

The overuse of the sentence reflects this excessively punitive era.

The New York Times

We must try to curb the overuse of expensive, high-profile medications.

The New York Times

If not, he added, the overuse of resources would ultimately lead to conflicts.

The Guardian

Last summer, the overuse of growth chemicals led to acres of spoiled watermelons in Jiangsu province.

The Guardian

Topics ranged from the war in Iraq to the overuse of bureaucratic targets in public services.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recently, the Times' Charles Isherwood lamented the overuse of direct address in plays (including "Chad Deity").

The New Yorker

The overuse of bold to modify Godwin's word vitiates its potency.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental or medical issues, be specific about what is being overused to provide a clear understanding of the problem. For example, instead of just saying "the overuse is harmful", specify "the overuse of antibiotics is contributing to antibiotic resistance".

Common error

Avoid using "the overuse of" without specifying what is being overused. The phrase can be vague if the subject isn't clear from the context. Always specify the item or practice that is being excessively used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the overuse of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the act of using something to an excessive degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the overuse of" is a grammatically sound and highly frequent noun phrase used to highlight the negative implications of using something excessively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its correctness and wide applicability make it suitable for diverse contexts, though clarity and specificity are key. While prevalent in News & Media and Science, its neutral tone adapts well to different registers. Remember to specify what's being overused to ensure clear communication. Alternatives such as "excessive use of" or "misuse of" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive use of

Replaces "overuse" with "excessive use", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

over-application of

Replaces "overuse" with "over-application", specifically referring to applying something too much.

overexploitation of

Substitutes "overuse" with "overexploitation", emphasizing the exploitative nature of the excessive use.

indiscriminate use of

Highlights a lack of selectivity in the use of something, replacing "overuse" with "indiscriminate use".

misuse of

Replaces "overuse" with "misuse", highlighting the incorrect or inappropriate application rather than sheer quantity.

immoderate consumption of

Substitutes "overuse" with "immoderate consumption", focusing on the excessive intake or usage.

abuse of

Substitutes "overuse" with "abuse", implying a harmful or damaging level of use.

rampant use of

Emphasizes the widespread and uncontrolled nature of the use, replacing "overuse" with "rampant use".

unrestrained application of

Replaces "overuse" with "unrestrained application", emphasizing a lack of control or limits on the use.

excessive reliance on

Shifts the focus to dependence, replacing "overuse" with "excessive reliance", indicating an over-dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "the overuse of" in a sentence?

You can use "the overuse of" to describe situations where something is being used excessively or inappropriately. For example, "The overuse of social media can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction".

What are some alternatives to "the overuse of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "excessive use of", "overexploitation of", or "misuse of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "overuse" or "the overuse of"?

"Overuse" is a verb or noun, while "the overuse of" is a noun phrase. Use "overuse" when you want to use it as a verb (e.g., "Don't overuse antibiotics"). Use "the overuse of" when you need a noun phrase (e.g., "The overuse of antibiotics is a problem").

What's the difference between "the overuse of" and "the abuse of"?

"The overuse of" refers to using something too much, while "the abuse of" implies a harmful or improper use. The latter carries a stronger negative connotation.