extraneous matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraneous matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to issues or topics that are irrelevant or not essential to the main subject being discussed. Example: "During the meeting, we should focus on the agenda and avoid discussing extraneous matters that do not pertain to our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But he did not seek for a second to put this down to outside influences or extraneous matters.

Independent

"Her lawyers brought in non-legal extraneous matters for the purpose of smearing him," said Gold-Bilkin, former chair of the American Bar Association's family law section.

The New York Times - Sports

Ramirez, on the other hand, has an ability to shut out all extraneous matters when he hits, and what results from those at-bats makes him attractive.

The New York Times - Sports

But tons of verbiage come between, and too much of it has to do with extraneous matters in Nick's personal life.

The New York Times - Books

A file note records: "The appropriate strategy is to ringfence the case to minimise the risk of extraneous matters being included".

The Guardian

"The body of his report was filled with discussion of extraneous matters, speculation and conclusions based on facts unsupported even by defendant's version of her interrogation," Judge Read wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It seizes up, it flies off, it suddenly flashes with extraneous matter.

The Guardian - Books

This means that public relations people should tailor the pitch to its audience (avoid spamming, in particular) and avoid jargon and other extraneous matter.

The New York Times

The rule prohibits "extraneous matter" from being attached to the annual budget bill known as reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority to pass.

The New Yorker

Ms. Coixet stuck to filming Judge Garzón and an interviewer across a table, with no extraneous matter to distract the viewer.

The New York Times - Arts

It has been argued that extraneous matter, or radioactivity, could have skewed the carbon-dating results.To the naked eye, images of the front and back of a slim, dignified man are only dimly visible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and focus in writing, identify and eliminate "extraneous matters" to ensure your message remains concise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid diluting the impact of your core message by including "extraneous matters". Prioritize essential details and remove anything that doesn't directly support your main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraneous matters" functions as a noun phrase, where "extraneous" modifies the noun "matters". It describes items or issues that are not essential or relevant to the context. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraneous matters" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote irrelevant or non-essential items. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. Alternatives such as "irrelevant details" or "unrelated issues" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When writing, focus on eliminating "extraneous matters" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extraneous details

Replicates the structure of the original query, varying the noun.

irrelevant details

Focuses on the lack of relevance of specific pieces of information.

unrelated issues

Highlights the absence of a connection between the topics being discussed.

immaterial points

Emphasizes the lack of significance or consequence of certain arguments.

nonessential elements

Highlights that the elements are not required or crucial.

peripheral concerns

Suggests that the matters are on the edge of the main topic.

incidental aspects

Indicates that the matters are secondary and not of primary importance.

tangential topics

Implies that the topics are only loosely related to the main subject.

ancillary subjects

Suggests that the subjects are supplemental or subordinate.

inessential considerations

Focuses on the unnecessary nature of the deliberations.

FAQs

How can I use "extraneous matters" in a sentence?

You can use "extraneous matters" to describe topics or details that are not relevant or essential to the main subject. For example: "The discussion digressed into "extraneous matters", causing us to lose focus on the primary goal."

What is a good substitute for "extraneous matters"?

Alternatives to "extraneous matters" include "irrelevant details", "unrelated issues", or "immaterial points", depending on the specific context.

What does "extraneous" mean?

"Extraneous" means irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with. Therefore, "extraneous matters" refers to things that are not pertinent to the current discussion or situation.

Is it better to be concise or include "extraneous matters" for context?

In most cases, conciseness is preferred. Including "extraneous matters" can dilute your message and confuse your audience. Focus on providing only the necessary information for clarity and impact.