a surplus

USAGE SUMMARY

"surplus" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means something greater than what is necessary, expected, or required. For example: With the extra money the business brought in this quarter, they were able to put a surplus of $500 in the rainy day savings fund.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have a surplus?

The New York Times

a surplus.

The Guardian - Books

But what constitutes a surplus?

The New York Times - Health

Some companies have a surplus.

The New York Times

They often end up with a surplus.

The New York Times

That yields a surplus of $1.86 trillion.

The Economist

You get a surplus.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have a surplus.

The Guardian

"We've got a surplus.

The New York Times

Of those we have a surplus.

Independent

"There should be a surplus".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a surplus", ensure the context clearly indicates what is in excess. For example, specify "a surplus of funds" or "a surplus of goods" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a surplus" without specifying what is in excess. Saying just "there is a surplus" leaves the reader wondering what exactly is more than needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surplus" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an amount or quantity that is more than needed. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a surplus" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies an excess or overabundance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using "a surplus", it is crucial to specify what is in excess to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "an excess", "an overabundance", and "a glut", which offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively and accurately use "a surplus" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excess

Emphasizes the state of exceeding what is normal or necessary.

an overabundance

Stresses the excessive quantity of something.

an overage

Focuses on the quantity exceeding a specified limit or amount.

a glut

Indicates an excessive supply of something, often leading to lower prices.

a remainder

Highlights the part that is left over after something has been used or consumed.

a plethora

Suggests a large or excessive quantity of something.

a surfeit

Implies an excessive amount, often to the point of causing distaste or discomfort.

a profusion

Emphasizes the lavish or abundant quality of something.

a wealth

Indicates a large amount or quantity of something desirable.

a cornucopia

Implies an abundant supply of good things.

FAQs

How can I use "a surplus" in a sentence?

You can use "a surplus" to indicate an excess of something. For example, "The company reported "a surplus of funds" at the end of the fiscal year" or "There was "a surplus of food" donations after the event".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a surplus"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an excess", "an overabundance", "a glut", or "a surfeit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "surplus" or "a surplus"?

The choice depends on the context. "Surplus" can be used as a general term, while "a surplus" is used when referring to a specific instance or amount. For example, "The company aims to eliminate its deficit and achieve a surplus." versus "The company reported "a surplus of revenue" this quarter".

What's the difference between "a surplus" and "a profit"?

"A surplus" generally refers to an excess of something, not necessarily monetary. "A profit", on the other hand, specifically refers to the financial gain after deducting expenses from revenue.