it is superfluous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is superfluous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unnecessary or excessive in a given context. Example: "The additional details in the report are nice, but ultimately, it is superfluous to the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is superfluous.

The Guardian - Books

Dr. Brademas said it is superfluous.

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

Aside from all questions over accuracy, however, the single most powerful is that it is superfluous and vastly expensive.

Independent

Linda Cooper, the town supervisor, said that while she supported the law to calm anxieties, she thinks it is superfluous.

The New York Times

Syria denies their use, but if it is found that Syria committed the atrocity, then a legal justification to stop it is superfluous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If so, it's superfluous.

The New York Times

"A sprig of chervil is a nice thing, but it's superfluous.

The New York Times - Food

Sure it was superfluous information but it was still far more appealing than cross-promotions for The Block.

The Guardian - Sport

So the good news about Next Collective is the same as the bad news: In the end, by all important measures, it's superfluous.

The New York Times - Arts

Whether it's superfluous kick lines or applause for the set or obligatory standing ovations, even the most die-hard Broadway zealot has a pet peeve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is superfluous" when you want to convey that something is not only unnecessary but also potentially excessive or redundant in a given context. For example, "Adding more details to the already comprehensive report is superfluous."

Common error

Avoid using "it is superfluous" in very simple contexts where simpler alternatives like "it is unnecessary" or "it is unneeded" would be more appropriate. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is superfluous" functions as a predicative expression, where "it" serves as a dummy subject and "superfluous" is the predicate adjective. The phrase asserts that something is unnecessary or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is superfluous" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate that something is unnecessary or redundant. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and applicability across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "it is unnecessary" and "it is redundant" exist, "it is superfluous" carries a stronger connotation of excess. Therefore, it's best used when the unnecessary element might also be perceived as excessive or distracting. Avoid overuse in simple contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unnecessary

Focuses on the lack of necessity, a direct synonym.

it is redundant

Highlights the duplication or repetition involved.

it is unneeded

Emphasizes the lack of requirement for something.

it is excess

Highlights that it is more than what's needed.

it is gratuitous

Indicates something is uncalled for or excessive in a negative way.

it is dispensable

Suggests that something can be easily done without.

it is inessential

Highlights the lack of importance or essential quality.

it is surplus

Indicates an overabundance or extra quantity.

it is de trop

A French term meaning out of place or excessive.

it is unwarranted

Highlights the lack of justification or reason for something.

FAQs

What does "it is superfluous" mean?

The phrase "it is superfluous" means that something is unnecessary, excessive, or redundant. It implies that the thing in question adds nothing of value and could be removed without any negative impact.

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

You can use "it is superfluous" to describe something that is not needed or adds nothing useful. For example, "Adding more details to the report "it is superfluous" because the main points are already clear."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is unnecessary", "it is redundant", or "it is unneeded" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is superfluous" versus "it is unnecessary"?

While both phrases indicate something isn't needed, "it is superfluous" often carries a stronger connotation of excess or redundancy. Use "it is superfluous" when something not only isn't needed, but is also potentially hindering or distracting. "It is unnecessary" is a more general term.