extraneous details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraneous details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to information that is unnecessary or irrelevant to the main point or topic being discussed. Example: "In your report, please focus on the main findings and avoid including any extraneous details that may confuse the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 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

It is also interesting to track certain extraneous details, like the vocabulary of marks used to fill in the oceans and waves.

The New York Times - Arts

He has picked up from the carelessly inclusive nature of amateur photography a knack for throwing in extraneous details that turn out to be what really matters.

The New York Times - Arts

By contrast, people telling the truth have no script, and tend to recall more extraneous details and may even make mistakes.

The New York Times - Science

"It got to the point where all people would talk about were the extraneous details, the costumes, the sets, the props, the life story.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 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

Why clutter it with so much extraneous detail and so many incidental characters?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or summaries, focus on key points and avoid including "extraneous details" that might distract the reader from the main message.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of your core message by adding too many "extraneous details". Ensure every piece of information serves a purpose and contributes to the overall clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraneous details" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective ("extraneous"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe information that is not essential or relevant to the topic at hand. Examples found in the search results illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extraneous details" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes information considered unnecessary or irrelevant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific publications. To maintain clarity and conciseness in writing, it's crucial to avoid including "extraneous details" that may distract from the main message. Alternatives such as "irrelevant information" or "unnecessary details" can be used to convey a similar meaning, each with slight differences in emphasis. By focusing on essential points and eliminating superfluous information, writers can ensure their message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrelevant information

Focuses on the lack of relevance, emphasizing that the information doesn't pertain to the matter at hand.

unnecessary information

Highlights that the information is not needed or essential for understanding.

redundant information

Indicates the information is repetitive and adds no new value.

superfluous information

Suggests the information is excessive and beyond what is required.

immaterial details

Emphasizes that the details are not important or significant.

incidental details

Refers to details that are minor and occur by chance or without intention.

peripheral details

Indicates details that are on the edge or not centrally important.

tangential information

Highlights that the information is only slightly related or digresses from the main point.

non-essential facts

Stresses that the facts are not crucial or vital.

inconsequential data

Suggests the data is of little to no importance.

FAQs

How can I avoid including "extraneous details" in my writing?

Focus on the core message and only include details that directly support it. Review your writing and remove any information that doesn't add value or clarify the main point. Ask yourself if the detail is essential for understanding; if not, it's likely "extraneous details".

What's the difference between "extraneous details" and supporting details?

"Extraneous details" are unnecessary and don't contribute to the main idea, while supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that strengthen the core message. Supporting details are essential, while "extraneous details" are not.

When is it okay to include "extraneous details"?

Generally, it's best to avoid "extraneous details" in formal writing. However, in creative writing or storytelling, seemingly "unrelated details" can sometimes add depth, atmosphere, or character development, but this should be done intentionally and sparingly.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "extraneous details"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "irrelevant information", "unnecessary details", or "superfluous information" to convey the same meaning.