is gratuitous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is gratuitous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unnecessary or unwarranted, often in the context of actions, comments, or content that lacks justification. Example: "The violence in the film felt gratuitous and detracted from the overall message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The scatology is gratuitous.

The New York Times

It is gratuitous neuro-babble.

The Guardian

The helicopter scene is gratuitous and unimpressive.

The New York Times

Art is gratuitous - and so is football.

The Guardian - Sport

She quickly adds that none of the description is gratuitous.

The New Yorker

And besides, the key word there is "gratuitous".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was gratuitous.

The New York Times

O.K. that was gratuitous.

The New Yorker

"It was gratuitous and unnecessary.

The Guardian

"It was gratuitous," Murtha said.

The New York Times - Sports

Carol's scene was gratuitous".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is gratuitous" to critique elements in creative works (films, books, etc.) that seem excessive or unnecessary, detracting from the overall quality or message. For example, "The violence in the film was gratuitous and didn't serve the plot."

Common error

Avoid using "is gratuitous" as a general negative critique without specifying why something is unnecessary or excessive. Provide concrete examples to support your claim. For example, instead of saying "The scene is gratuitous", explain what makes the scene unnecessary or distracting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is gratuitous" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun as unnecessary or unwarranted. It expresses a judgment about something being excessive or lacking justification. Ludwig examples show it commonly used to critique aspects of art, actions, or statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is gratuitous" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something as unnecessary, unwarranted, or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it often carries a negative connotation, implying disapproval of the element being described. When using "is gratuitous", it's best to provide specific reasons to support your judgment and avoid vague criticisms. Alternatives like "is unnecessary" or "is unwarranted" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unnecessary

Directly replaces "gratuitous" with a more common synonym.

is uncalled for

Indicates that something was not appropriate or justified in the situation.

is unwarranted

Suggests that something lacks justification or reason.

is needless

Emphasizes the lack of necessity for something.

is superfluous

Highlights that something is beyond what is required or needed.

is unjustified

Focuses on the lack of valid reasoning or grounds for something.

is excessive

Indicates that something goes beyond acceptable limits.

is unwarranted

Expresses that something is not justified or deserved.

is gratuitously given

This phrase emphasizes the free and unearned nature of something, similar to one aspect of "gratuitous".

serves no purpose

Highlights the lack of utility or reason for something.

FAQs

How can I use "is gratuitous" in a sentence?

The phrase "is gratuitous" is used to describe something that is unnecessary, uncalled for, or excessive. For instance, you might say "The violence in the movie "is gratuitous" and doesn't add anything to the story" or "His comment "is gratuitous" and only serves to offend".

What are some alternatives to "is gratuitous"?

Some alternatives you can use instead of "is gratuitous" include "is unnecessary", "is unwarranted", "is uncalled for", or "is needless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is something considered "gratuitous"?

Something is considered "gratuitous" when it is excessive, unnecessary, or uncalled for in a particular context. For example, violence in a film might be deemed "gratuitous" if it is excessively graphic and doesn't contribute to the plot or character development.

What's the difference between "is gratuitous" and "is unnecessary"?

While both "is gratuitous" and "is unnecessary" indicate that something isn't needed, "is gratuitous" often implies that something is excessively so, and perhaps even inappropriate or offensive in its excess. "Is unnecessary" is a more neutral term.