1. to correct something beyond what is necessary or appropriate, often by applying a rule too strictly or in the wrong context
Usage: linguistics, grammar

1. characterized by correction that goes beyond what is necessary or appropriate; resulting from an overly strict application of a rule
Usage: linguistics, grammar

Examples

• She tends to hypercorrect her grammar when speaking formally, using 'whom' even in contexts where 'who' is correct.
• The student hypercorrected the essay by changing every contraction, even in dialogue where they should remain.
• His hypercorrect pronunciation of French words made him sound unnatural to native speakers.
• The editor's hypercorrect revisions actually introduced errors into the manuscript.
• Many people hypercorrect their speech when they are nervous or trying to impress others.
• Hypercorrect forms often arise when speakers overgeneralize a grammar rule they recently learned.