is superfluous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is superfluous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unnecessary, excessive, or redundant. For example, "The extra explanation is superfluous; everyone understands the concept already."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cream is superfluous.

The New York Times - Food

Any other punishment is superfluous.

The New York Times

Either way, "famously" is superfluous.

The New York Times

"The commentary afterwards is superfluous.

The New York Times

My ski jacket is superfluous.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is useful and what is superfluous?

The New York Times

In one way, the advice is superfluous.

The Economist

In a strange way, kale is superfluous".

The New York Times - Food

In a wristwatch, the tourbillon is superfluous.

The New York Times

That is, the narrative is superfluous?

The New Yorker

That goal, by the way, is superfluous.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is superfluous" when you want to convey that something is more than what is needed and can be omitted without detriment. It adds a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

While "is superfluous" is a valid phrase, it may sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversations or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "is unnecessary" or "is not needed" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is superfluous" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as being unnecessary or exceeding what is required. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is superfluous" is a grammatically sound and frequently encountered expression used to denote that something exceeds what is necessary or required. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal writing contexts, offering a precise way to critique or describe elements that add no essential value. Though versatile, be mindful of register; simpler alternatives may be better suited for casual communication. With examples drawn from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its presence in news, science, and formal business contexts solidifies its role in conveying excess or redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unnecessary

Directly states that something is not needed.

is not required

Emphasizes the lack of necessity for something.

is redundant

Implies that something is repetitive and therefore unnecessary.

is excessive

Suggests that something goes beyond what is required or reasonable.

is unneeded

Similar to 'unnecessary' but can imply a stronger sense of not being required.

is dispensable

Indicates that something can be done without.

is gratuitous

Suggests something is uncalled for and often unwanted.

is inessential

Highlights that something is not crucial or vital.

is surplus to requirements

A more formal way of saying something exceeds what is needed.

is beside the point

Indicates that something is irrelevant to the matter at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "is superfluous" to indicate that something is unnecessary or excessive, such as, "Adding extra details here "is superfluous" because the core message is already clear".

What is a simpler way to say "is superfluous"?

Alternatives to "is superfluous" include phrases like "is unnecessary", "is redundant", or "is not needed", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is superfluous" in writing?

Using "is superfluous" is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or when you want to convey a sense of sophistication and precision in your language. However, in casual contexts, it might sound overly formal.

What is the difference between "is superfluous" and "is redundant"?

"Is superfluous" means something is beyond what's required, while "is redundant" implies something is repetitive. Although they are similar, "is superfluous" focuses on excess, whereas "is redundant" emphasizes duplication.