gratuitously explicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gratuitously explicit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe content that is unnecessarily detailed or graphic, often in a way that is excessive or unwarranted. Example: "The film was criticized for being gratuitously explicit, with scenes that added little to the overall narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The violence is explicit but not gratuitously so, and it was important to Mulligan that it was included as part of the boys' story.

The Guardian - Books

Gratuitously violent.

The New York Times - Arts

Not gratuitously, just often.

The New York Times

The deep state leaks gratuitously.

The Washington Post

The pose is gratuitously unsophisticated.

The New York Times - Arts

It gratuitously throws a party.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am not doing it gratuitously.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Lin never gratuitously invents anything," Chernow says.

The New Yorker

It was gratuitously punitive in its effects.

The Guardian

I couldn't tolerate gratuitously boisterous laughter.

The New Yorker

But it's also gratuitously inflammatory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gratuitously explicit", ensure that the excessive detail or explicitness is indeed unnecessary and doesn't serve a purpose in your writing. Consider whether the content could be more impactful with a more subtle approach.

Common error

Avoid using "gratuitously explicit" descriptions simply for shock value. Ensure any graphic or detailed content contributes meaningfully to the overall message and avoids being perceived as exploitative or sensationalist. Such use can alienate readers and detract from your purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gratuitously explicit" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "gratuitously" modifies "explicit". The adverb emphasizes that the explicitness is unnecessary or unwarranted. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gratuitously explicit" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to critique content considered unnecessarily detailed or graphic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. It functions as an adverb-adjective pairing, where "gratuitously" intensifies the negative connotation of "explicit". Usage is infrequent but generally appears in neutral contexts within news and media. Related phrases include "unnecessarily detailed" and "excessively graphic". When using "gratuitously explicit", make sure to avoid sensationalism and ensure any graphic content adds meaningful value to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gratuitously graphic

This alternative is almost identical, maintaining the "gratuitously" adverb but focusing on visual content.

unnecessarily detailed

This alternative focuses on the lack of necessity in providing such detail.

excessively graphic

This alternative emphasizes the visual or descriptive intensity.

needlessly revealing

Highlights the lack of purpose behind the revelation.

unduly explicit

Highlights that the explicitness is more than necessary or appropriate.

overly descriptive

This suggests a surplus of descriptive language.

unwarrantedly specific

Emphasizes that the level of specificity is unjustified.

pointlessly detailed

This focuses on the futility of the detail.

superfluously detailed

This emphasizes that the detail is extra and unnecessary.

unnecessarily graphic

This suggests the imagery is more intense than required.

FAQs

How can "gratuitously explicit" be used in a sentence?

You can use "gratuitously explicit" to describe content that is unnecessarily detailed or graphic, such as "The film was criticized for being "gratuitously explicit", with scenes that added little to the overall narrative."

What are some alternatives to saying "gratuitously explicit"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessarily detailed", "excessively graphic", or "needlessly revealing" depending on the context.

Is it better to be explicit or avoid being "gratuitously explicit"?

While clarity is important, avoid being "gratuitously explicit" by ensuring details serve a purpose. Being "explicit" is useful when clarity is needed. Unnecessary details can distract the audience and dilute the message.

What is the difference between "explicit" and "gratuitously explicit"?

"Explicit" simply means clearly expressed or detailed. "Gratuitously explicit" implies that the detail is excessive and unnecessary, adding nothing of value and potentially being offensive or off-putting.