better than necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exceeds the required or expected standard or level of quality. Example: "The design of the new software is better than necessary, providing users with features they didn't even know they wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The tracking precision (sigma_{A}) and slew rates of modern telescopes (typically (sigma_{A} <2.4mboxupmu mbox{rad}) RMS (full angle) over 5 minutes with 13°/s slew) are an order of magnitude better than necessary to track and maintain an optical link with the CubeSat.

EPJ Quantum Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He came in second on "American Idol" in 2008, and so came cloaked in underdog status for a while; he made a better-than-necessary first record, shoring up his innocent puppy persona and showing off the lovely fog of his super-earnest, bubblegum-soul voice.

The New York Times - Arts

But recent events in Michigan serve as a reminder that cameras can be better than a necessary evil: they can be a positive good.

The New Yorker

By Jeffrey Toobin February 8, 2018 Recent proceedings against the former sports-medicine doctor are a reminder that cameras can be better than a necessary evil: they can be a positive good.

The New Yorker

No Herter item was merely good: it was World Famous, Patented, Special, "made with infinite care by our most expert old craftsmen," or — my favorite — "actually made far better than is necessary".

The New York Times - Books

But from the reactions of some people, you'd think that being celibate is some lifelong ideal, something holier and better than that "necessary evil" called sexuality.

Huffington Post

Mr. Krauss contends that hewing to a conservative, anti-stimulus, stagnation-is-better-than-inflation ideology is necessary to hold the European Union together.

The New York Times

Louis Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed, "Nicaragua can become, better than Constantinople, the necessary route of the great commerce of the world".

The New Yorker

The production blends lecture with drama – Michael Billington observed that "some will argue this is not really theatre," but described it in a five-star review as being "better than good: it is necessary".

The Guardian

It is better to have a little more liquid than necessary than not enough.

WikiHow

No one has summed up this doomed but necessary mission better than W. H. Auden in his poem "The Novelist".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better than necessary" to emphasize a positive attribute that goes beyond basic requirements, adding value or unexpected benefits. It's best used when the excess is a deliberate design choice or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "better than necessary" in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives like "excellent" or "great" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can sometimes sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than necessary" functions as a comparative, typically modifying a noun or verb phrase to indicate a quality or characteristic that surpasses what is strictly required. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in denoting excellence beyond mere adequacy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better than necessary" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable comparative phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is used to describe something that exceeds expectations or requirements, often implying an added benefit or superior quality. While its usage is appropriate across various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific writings. When using this phrase, consider whether the added value justifies any potential increase in resources or cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than sufficient

Focuses on exceeding the required amount or degree.

exceeding requirements

Emphasizes surpassing the minimum standards or criteria.

above and beyond

Highlights the act of doing more than what is expected or needed.

unnecessarily good

Implies a level of quality that is not strictly required.

more than adequate

Suggests a level of suitability that exceeds the minimum requirement.

gratuitously superior

Highlights that quality or action has been done for pleasure.

beyond the call of duty

Highlights that something has been done when it wasn't necessary.

over and above what's needed

Emphasizes the act of surpassing the necessary requirements.

exceeding expectations

Implies surpassing what was anticipated or predicted.

going the extra mile

Highlights the effort to achieve something beyond what is necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "better than necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "better than necessary" to describe something that exceeds the required or expected standard. For example, "The quality of the product was "better than necessary", providing unexpected durability."

What are some alternatives to "better than necessary"?

Alternatives include "more than sufficient", "exceeding requirements", or "above and beyond", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to be "better than necessary"?

While generally positive, being "better than necessary" can sometimes be inefficient or wasteful. It's important to consider whether the extra quality or effort justifies the additional resources or cost.

How does "better than necessary" differ from "exceeding expectations"?

"Better than necessary" focuses on surpassing a specific requirement or standard, while "exceeding expectations" emphasizes surpassing what was anticipated or predicted. The former is about quality relative to a need, the latter is about performance relative to a forecast.