extraneous detail

USAGE SUMMARY

"extraneous detail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to any information or facts that are not relevant or necessary to the main point or purpose of the sentence. Example: The speaker's presentation was well-researched and informative, but he spent too much time discussing extraneous details such as his personal experiences and unrelated anecdotes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Meanwhile, all extraneous detail is stripped away.

The Guardian - Tech

Simplicity of line is prized, extraneous detail discouraged.

The New York Times - Books

This isn't just confined to extraneous detail, it slides into the narrative.

The Guardian - Tech

I also omit description and extraneous detail, which I think makes the stories more vivid.

The New Yorker

Well-chosen distortions elide extraneous detail, but ill-chosen distortions mislead or hide important information.

Stanford University

can also result in extraneous detail that adds little, or even harms, the over-all effect.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Those would be extraneous details".

The New Yorker

There may be extraneous details that complicate a story, without necessarily contradicting its main argument.

The New Yorker

Extraneous details were eliminated, colors and patterns were subdued, even in usually exuberant lines.

The New York Times - Style

It takes an incredible amount of computing power, plus the ability to filter out extraneous details, to make this happen.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, American Horror Story has also managed to import the genre's drawbacks too – a slack pace, overly larded with extraneous details.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and conciseness in writing, deliberately eliminate any "extraneous detail" that doesn't directly support your core message. This enhances readability and keeps your audience focused.

Common error

Avoid burying crucial information beneath a mountain of "extraneous detail". This obscures your main point and frustrates readers. Always prioritize relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraneous detail" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies specific pieces of information, facts or components that are not essential or relevant to the matter at hand. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraneous detail" is a grammatically sound noun phrase widely used to describe unnecessary or irrelevant information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science. To enhance clarity in writing, it's advised to eliminate unnecessary details. Related phrases include "irrelevant information" and "unnecessary information". Overloading content with such details should be avoided, as this can obscure main ideas. By keeping these principles in mind, one can avoid diluting the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrelevant information

Focuses on the lack of relevance to the topic at hand.

unnecessary information

Highlights the lack of necessity or importance.

superfluous data

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the information.

immaterial fact

Indicates that the fact does not have consequence or relevance.

peripheral element

Suggests that the detail is on the outer edge and not central.

inessential aspect

Focuses on the lack of essential qualities in the aspect.

tangential point

Highlights that the point is only slightly related or connected.

redundant data

Emphasizes the repetition and lack of new information.

unrelated fact

Indicates a complete lack of connection to the main subject.

non-essential element

Highlights that the element does not contribute to the basic nature of something.

FAQs

How to use "extraneous detail" in a sentence?

"Extraneous detail" refers to information that is not essential or relevant to the topic. For example: The report was concise because it omitted all "extraneous detail".

What can I say instead of "extraneous detail"?

Alternatives to "extraneous detail" include "irrelevant information", "unnecessary information", or "superfluous data" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to include or exclude "extraneous detail" in academic writing?

In academic writing, it's generally better to exclude "extraneous detail" to maintain focus and clarity. However, relevant background information that supports the main argument should be included.

What's the effect of removing "extraneous detail" from a story?

Removing "extraneous detail" can streamline the narrative, making it more impactful and easier to follow. It helps the reader focus on the key elements of the story.