remove the excess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remove the excess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the need to eliminate unnecessary or surplus elements from something. Example: "After reviewing the report, please remove the excess information that does not contribute to the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those tucks eliminate the need to remove the excess stomach.

The New York Times - Health

Next he put the fillets in a bowl of water to help remove the excess salt.

The New York Times

01 Squeeze the grated courgettes to remove the excess water, then tip into a bowl.

The Times

Remove the excess fat from the carcass and set both carcass and fat aside.

The New York Times - Magazine

The media from the side channels were replaced to remove the excess of human breast cells.

Nature

Remove gently and place on kitchen paper to remove the excess oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove the excess pastry.

BBC

Technically, you need to contact your HSA provider and remove the excess funds.

Forbes

Absorbent paper points were used to remove the excess of saline solution from the canals.

Applied Adhesion Science

The cultures were washed with 1% acetic acid to remove the excess stain.

Chemistry Central Journal

The doctor-blade method was used to remove the excess Cu(NO3 2 on the FTO.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "remove the excess", be specific about what constitutes 'excess' in the given context. For instance, specify "remove the excess paint" or "remove the excess water" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "remove the excess" without specifying what needs to be removed. Saying just "remove the excess" can be vague; always clarify what substance, material, or item is considered the excess to ensure clear instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remove the excess" functions as an imperative verb phrase, instructing the listener or reader to eliminate a surplus or overabundance of something. Ludwig's examples show its broad applicability across various domains, reinforcing its directive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remove the excess" is a grammatically sound and frequently used directive for eliminating surplus materials or elements. Ludwig confirms that it appears across diverse sources, including science, news, and instructional guides. Given its clear and actionable nature, the phrase is suitable for a broad range of contexts, though precision in specifying the 'excess' is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "eliminate the surplus" may offer a more formal tone, while the core message remains consistent: clear out what's unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminate the surplus

Focuses on getting rid of what's beyond what's needed, similar to removing excess.

reduce the surplus

Implies diminishing the extra amount, rather than complete removal.

extract the overage

Suggests taking out the extra amount; 'overage' is a slightly more technical term.

drain the excess

This is best applied when the excess is in liquid form.

clear the surplus

Focuses on clearing away any extra, giving more of an organizational nuance.

cut out the unnecessary

Highlights the removal of what isn't essential, aligning with removing what's in excess.

trim the excess

Suggests a slight adjustment, removing only a small part of the extra amount.

eject the excess

Implies a forceful removal of what's extra, more suitable for dynamic situations.

withdraw the surplus

Involves taking back or extracting an extra amount, suitable when retrieving something.

refine by subtraction

Emphasizes improving something by removing the extra components.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "remove the excess"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "eliminate the surplus" or "extract the overage" for a more professional tone.

How do you use "remove the excess" in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, you might say, "The samples were washed to "remove the excess reagent"" or "The solution was centrifuged to "remove the excess precipitate"."

What's the difference between "remove the excess" and "reduce the excess"?

"Remove the excess" implies getting rid of all the surplus, while "reduce the excess" suggests lowering the amount of surplus, but not necessarily eliminating it completely.

Can I use "eliminate the excess" instead of "remove the excess"?

Yes, "eliminate the excess" is a good alternative, particularly when aiming for a more formal or decisive tone. The two phrases are often interchangeable depending on the context.