overmodified

Overmodified refers to the grammatical practice of using an excessive number of modifying words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence, often leading to redundancy or unnecessary complexity. This construction can result in sentences that appear convoluted, overly verbose, or difficult to parse, sometimes making them harder to understand than they would be with simpler phrasing. Overmodification is commonly criticized in formal writing, as it can undermine clarity and conciseness, which are valued in both academic and professional contexts.

A classic example of overmodification involves the phrase "very very happy," where the repetition of the adverb "very" creates redundancy. Similarly, sentences like "the extremely important decision-making process" or "the highly regarded expert opinion" may seem redundant because the words "extremely" and "highly" are already implied by the base adjective. Overmodification can also extend to clauses, such as in "the fact that it was raining heavily that caused the delay," where the added clause adds unnecessary detail without significantly enhancing meaning.

While some degree of modification is often necessary to convey nuance or emphasis, excessive modification can detract from the effectiveness of communication. Writers are encouraged to evaluate their sentences for redundancy and to opt for simpler, more direct phrasing whenever possible. Tools like style guides, grammar checkers, and peer review can help identify and correct overmodification, ensuring that writing remains clear, concise, and engaging.