a superfluous argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a superfluous argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an argument or point that is unnecessary or excessive in a discussion or debate. Example: "In the meeting, she raised a superfluous argument that did not contribute to the main topic at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Quality King we rejected the "superfluous" argument for similar reasons.

Harvard University

"It's a superfluous expense".

The New York Times

It is a superfluous piece of evidence.

Yale University

This, however, is a superfluous fact.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rarely did he use a superfluous word.

The New York Times

Turgenev called Ivanov a "superfluous man".

The New York Times

Their verbiage sustains a superfluous metaphysical apparatus.

The Guardian - Arts

It became a superfluous and impossible task".

The New York Times

Each clue contained a superfluous word*.

The Guardian

Because I'm a superfluous woman myself".

The New Yorker

Not one of Coulter's arguments is original to her; each is cribbed from the conservative press, which is why searching for specific passages that she has plagiarized, as Maguire and others have done, is a superfluous exercise.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a superfluous argument", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates why the argument is unnecessary or adds no value to the discussion. Be specific in highlighting its redundancy or irrelevance.

Common error

Avoid using "a superfluous argument" simply to denote a weak argument. The phrase specifically implies that the argument is unnecessary or adds nothing new, not just that it's poorly constructed or unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a superfluous argument" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "superfluous" modifies the noun "argument". It indicates that the argument being referred to is unnecessary or redundant in the context of a discussion or debate. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, it shows very few examples.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a superfluous argument" refers to an argument that is unnecessary or redundant, adding no value to a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, but also shows it is rarely used. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies why the argument is unnecessary, rather than simply being weak. Related phrases include ""an unnecessary argument"" and "a redundant argument", all conveying a sense of the argument being dispensable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unnecessary argument

Emphasizes the lack of need for the argument.

a needless argument

Indicates the argument could have been avoided.

a redundant argument

Highlights the repetitive nature of the argument, adding nothing new.

an irrelevant argument

Focuses on the argument's lack of connection to the main topic.

a dispensable argument

Emphasizes that the argument can be easily omitted without consequence.

a pointless argument

Stresses the lack of purpose or value in the argument.

an extraneous argument

Highlights that the argument is not essential or integral to the discussion.

a non-essential argument

Underlines the argument's lack of importance.

a gratuitous argument

Suggests the argument is excessive and uncalled for.

an inessential argument

Similar to non-essential, stressing the argument's lack of necessity.

FAQs

What does "a superfluous argument" mean?

The phrase "a superfluous argument" describes an argument that is unnecessary or redundant, adding nothing of value to a discussion or debate. It implies that the argument could be omitted without affecting the overall point or conclusion.

How can I use "a superfluous argument" in a sentence?

You might say, "His lengthy explanation included "an unnecessary argument" that only confused the matter further," indicating the argument detracted from clarity.

What's the difference between "a weak argument" and "a superfluous argument"?

"A weak argument" is unconvincing due to flawed logic or insufficient evidence. "A superfluous argument", on the other hand, might be logically sound but is unnecessary because it's redundant or irrelevant.

Are there alternative ways to describe a superfluous argument?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a redundant argument", "an irrelevant argument", or ""an unnecessary argument"" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.