Superfluous knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Superfluous knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or knowledge that is excessive or unnecessary in a given context. Example: "While some background information is helpful, too much superfluous knowledge can overwhelm the audience and detract from the main message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I think there have been too many 800-pagers, particularly about 19th- and 20th-century figures, where the wealth of surviving documentation makes them unwieldy with superfluous knowledge.

Independent

Few souls are more in demand than geeks armed with superfluous knowledge about the undercard, right?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As a result, inference would be a superfluous means of knowledge.

SEP

How should clinicians take such decisions without exposing patients to superfluous stress when current knowledge about the advantages and drawbacks of available therapy options is far from complete?

Genome Medicine

There are people who think you can run a newspaper about as easily as you can poke a fire, and that knowledge, training, and aptitude are superfluous endowments.

The Guardian - Opinion

One could argue that employment of RRT already implies renal injury and hence knowledge of its occurrence is somewhat superfluous.

Critical Care

This opens the possibility that non-superfluous visual thinking may result in a priori knowledge of a mathematical truth.

SEP

We provide a knowledge-based optimization that modifies the Restriction operator to avoid superfluous communication in the final implementation.

Science of Computer Programming

According to Ibn Ezra, the first two words of the commandment ("I [am] YHWH") hint at the knowledge of God that one obtains from creation; it would thus be superfluous to add "Who made heaven and earth".

SEP

Superfluous, indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

Superfluous man.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, evaluate if the knowledge you're including is directly relevant to your core message. "Superfluous knowledge" can distract or overwhelm your audience.

Common error

Avoid including information simply because you know it. Prioritize clarity and relevance over demonstrating comprehensive knowledge; otherwise, you risk diluting your main points with "superfluous knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superfluous knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "superfluous" modifies the noun "knowledge". Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English to describe knowledge that is excessive or unnecessary.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superfluous knowledge" refers to information that is unnecessary or excessive in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. The phrase appears in both news and scientific contexts, describing information that detracts from the main message due to its irrelevance. When writing, it's essential to prioritize relevant details and avoid overwhelming your audience with extraneous information. Alternatives include "unnecessary information" and "excessive details".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary information

Emphasizes the lack of need for the information, similar to "superfluous knowledge".

surplus knowledge

Highlights that there is more knowledge than is required.

excessive information

Focuses on the quantity of information being too much, rather than its necessity.

extraneous information

Points out that the information is not essential or integral.

inessential information

Indicates the information is not vital or indispensable.

redundant knowledge

Highlights the repetitive or overlapping nature of the knowledge.

needless data

Focuses on the lack of requirement for the data.

irrelevant information

Indicates that the information is not applicable or related to the context.

unessential facts

Emphasizes that the facts are not crucial or necessary.

gratuitous details

Suggests that the details are excessive and uncalled for.

FAQs

How can I avoid including "superfluous knowledge" in my writing?

Focus on the key points you want to convey and only include information that directly supports those points. Remove any details that don't add value or clarify your message.

What's the difference between "superfluous knowledge" and relevant background information?

Relevant background information provides necessary context to understand the main topic, while "superfluous knowledge" is extra detail that doesn't significantly enhance understanding or support your argument.

When is detailed information considered "superfluous knowledge"?

Detailed information becomes "superfluous knowledge" when it overwhelms the reader, distracts from the central message, or provides facts that are not essential to the understanding of the topic.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "superfluous knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary information", "excessive information", or "irrelevant details" depending on the specific context.