superfluous details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superfluous details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to information that is unnecessary or excessive in a given context. Example: "The report was filled with superfluous details that distracted from the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We ripped out all the superfluous details.

The New York Times

His impulse to move springs from a deep place untainted by superfluous details.

The New York Times - Arts

For the most part, though, he artfully unspools his plot's complexities, and seemingly superfluous details come to connect in remarkable ways.

The New York Times - Books

Making educational films for trade unions after she graduated, she was constantly sidetracked by seemingly superfluous details of her subjects' lives.

The New York Times

But as a whole her book feels disjointed and repetitious, weighed down by superfluous details and lacking a narrative line that could braid the various strands together.

The New York Times - Books

One way in which they have done that is by giving the car a sleek shape with no superfluous details, not even door handles.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Well over half of the things I saw in Warsaw were so vividly staged – a production of Genet's The Balcony – or so beautifully acted – a stark, bare-stage, modern dress of Three Sisters – that understanding the words almost seemed a superfluous extra detail.

The Guardian

Like those gorgeous old Gaggias: spartan in style and unapologetically mechanical, with no superfluous detailing.

The New York Times - Style

His paintings give quiet moments of everyday life an Egyptian stillness; they are fixed in an eternal present, shorn of superfluous detail, rendered as if carved in stone.

The New York Times - Arts

The rich drama of the clash of the two titans at the Pushkin Festival almost disappears in a welter of mostly superfluous detail.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Emsley said the cockpit design won out, though she instructed her team of designers to keep things "simple and clean," to not make the cabin fussy with superfluous detailing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, prioritize clarity and conciseness. Omit "superfluous details" that are not essential for understanding or using the product or service.

Common error

Avoid adding "superfluous details" when explaining basic concepts. This can make your writing seem condescending and frustrate your audience. Focus on clarity and brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superfluous details" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "superfluous" modifies the noun "details". Ludwig AI indicates that it describes information that is unnecessary or excessive in a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superfluous details" refers to unnecessary or excessive information. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in writing. While commonly found in news, scientific writing, and general contexts, it's important to recognize and eliminate "superfluous details" to enhance clarity and conciseness. Alternatives like "unnecessary specifics" or "redundant particulars" can be used depending on the specific context. By avoiding "superfluous details", you can create more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary facts

Emphasizes that the information consists of unnecessary facts, instead of "details".

unnecessary specifics

Replaces "details" with "specifics", emphasizing the lack of necessity.

redundant particulars

Uses "redundant" instead of "superfluous", highlighting the repetitive nature, and replaces "details" with "particulars".

excessive trivia

Substitutes "details" with "trivia", suggesting the information is unimportant and overly abundant, and replaces "superfluous" with "excessive".

gratuitous information

Emphasizes that the information is uncalled for or unwarranted, using "gratuitous" instead of "superfluous".

needless elaboration

Focuses on the act of elaborating being unnecessary, replacing "details" with "elaboration" and "superfluous" with "needless".

inessential data

Highlights the lack of essentiality of the data, changing "details" to "data" and "superfluous" to "inessential".

irrelevant specifications

Focuses on the irrelevance of the specifications, using "irrelevant" to replace "superfluous" and "specifications" instead of "details".

unrequired minutiae

Indicates that the small, precise details are not required, swapping "details" for "minutiae" and "superfluous" for "unrequired".

excess baggage

Metaphorically refers to the details as burdensome or extra weight. This is more figurative than literal.

FAQs

How can I identify "superfluous details" in my writing?

Ask yourself if each detail is absolutely necessary for the reader to understand your main point. If a detail can be removed without losing clarity or impact, it's likely "superfluous".

What's the difference between "relevant details" and "superfluous details"?

"Relevant details" directly support your argument or enhance understanding. "Superfluous details", on the other hand, are unnecessary and can distract from the main message.

When is it acceptable to include "superfluous details"?

Sometimes, in creative writing, seemingly "superfluous details" can add atmosphere or character depth. However, they should be used sparingly and with intention.

What are some alternatives to "superfluous details"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unnecessary specifics", "redundant particulars", or "excessive trivia".