is superfluous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is superfluous to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unnecessary or excessive in relation to something else. Example: "The additional details in the report are superfluous to the main argument and can be omitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Is there any particular activity or event that you believe is superfluous to the achievement of a good outcome?

WikiHow

"There's one chosen one in the family, and everyone else is superfluous to requirements".

The New York Times

Nature is so ever-present, she said, that it is "superfluous" to garden except in pots.

The New York Times - Books

'They're not primed.' It also means that Rhodes is superfluous to requirements.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the suggestion in my epigraph is that sometimes a person can feel, or actually is, superfluous to a given day or a moment in the world.

The New York Times

It's like being present at the solution of some vast, architectural dilemma where nothing is superfluous to need - no energy is spared and none wasted - as stone after ragged stone is nudged into place to perform this role, this edifice of character, and no other.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mr. Bee, it might be superfluous to note, is a lawyer.

The New York Times

MP3 compression, in particular, squeezes out certain sounds believed to be superfluous to the ear.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like Isabella Blow, most women internalise their sense of being superfluous to requirements.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the location itself was superfluous to the story line, and is potentially a threat to our national security.

The New York Times

They seem to have no primary song, which may be superfluous to their gregarious and specialized mode of life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is superfluous to" when you want to clearly state that something is not essential or necessary for a specific purpose or outcome. It adds a formal tone to your writing.

Common error

While "is superfluous to" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider simpler alternatives like "is unnecessary for" or "is not needed for" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is superfluous to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing something as unnecessary or redundant in relation to something else. It often appears in formal writing, as shown in Ludwig's examples from news and scientific sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

52%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is superfluous to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates something is unnecessary or redundant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for formal and scientific writing, frequently appearing in news articles and academic papers. While effective, remember not to overuse it, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in less formal contexts. The expression’s purpose is to clearly convey that something is not essential, as demonstrated through various examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unnecessary for

Focuses on the lack of need or requirement.

is redundant for

Highlights the duplication or repetition.

is not required for

Emphasizes the absence of a mandatory condition.

is unessential to

Indicates something is not crucial or vital.

is dispensable for

Stresses the ability to do without something.

is in excess of

Implies a surplus or overabundance.

is not needed for

Simple and direct statement of non-necessity.

is extraneous to

Indicates something is irrelevant or unrelated.

is surplus to

Highlights the excess or leftover quantity.

is gratuitous for

Suggests something is freely given or unnecessary.

FAQs

How to use "is superfluous to" in a sentence?

You can use "is superfluous to" to indicate that something is unnecessary or excessive in relation to something else. For example: "The additional details in the report "are superfluous to" the main argument."

What can I say instead of "is superfluous to"?

You can use alternatives like "is unnecessary for", "is redundant to", or "is not required for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is superfluous to" or "is superfluous for"?

"Is superfluous to" is the correct and more common usage. "Is superfluous for" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to some readers.

What's the difference between "is superfluous to" and "is extraneous to"?

"Is superfluous to" implies that something is unnecessary, while "is extraneous to" suggests that something is irrelevant or unrelated. They are similar but have slightly different nuances.