FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does 'overcorrection' refer to in grammar?

1. Ignoring grammatical rules

2. Overdoing a grammatical rule unnecessarily

3. Making a sentence more complex

4. Applying rules inconsistently

The correct answer is: Overdoing a grammatical rule unnecessarily

'Overcorrection' in grammar refers specifically to the act of overdoing a grammatical rule unnecessarily, leading to a situation where the intended meaning could be obscured or the language becomes awkward. This phenomenon often occurs when a writer or speaker attempts to correct a grammatical structure that may not have been problematic in the first place, resulting in an overly complex or convoluted expression. For instance, a simple sentence could be transformed into an overly formal structure that complicates the message rather than clarifying it. This may happen when individuals aim for adherence to grammatical standards but inadvertently create a more complicated situation than the original construction warranted. Understanding overcorrection is essential for effective communication because it underscores the balance between adhering to grammatical rules and maintaining clarity and simplicity in expression.