superfluous time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superfluous time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe time that is excessive or unnecessary in a given context. Example: "The meeting dragged on for hours, filled with superfluous time that could have been spent more productively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Before the Republicans took back the Senate earlier this year, they spent much of 2014 demanding superfluous, time-wasting cloture votes and dragging out the clock, spending days on a single nominee even if the nominee enjoyed unanimous support.

Huffington Post

On the one hand, the MPCs may be rendered superfluous over time as formal meetings between the municipalities and local representatives of general practice will provide a regular and constructive basis for interaction between the parties.

BMC Family Practice

Any other comment might seem superfluous," the Times dance critic Anna Kisselgoff wrote of Armitage on the latter occasion.

The New Yorker

He finds conversation at this time superfluous.

The New Yorker

And as George Bernard Shaw observed, suppressing superfluous letters will in time reduce the waste of resources and trees.

The Economist

To discard that flood of superfluous data in real time, camcorder manufacturers could add high-speed processing circuitry -- but that would make the camcorder too expensive to be worthwhile.

The New York Times - Tech

AT&T's Picturephone, which would have added around $90 to a person's monthly phone bill in 1974, a huge amount for the time, "was superfluous, adding little information to voice alone, especially considering its high price," said Kenneth Lipartito, a professor of history at Florida International University.

The New York Times

The quantification scan might then be considered as superfluous in the limited time available for an examination.

Insights into Imaging

Not to mention those who are simply responsible and prescient enough to back up their important things regularly and as such find Time Machine superfluous and wasteful.

TechCrunch

Try it, one superfluous step at a time.

Huffington Post

One superfluous montage at a time, the high schooler changes hearts and minds, setting the stage for legislative reform and a killer dance party—and couldn't we use a little of both right now?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing inefficiencies or areas for improvement, consider using "superfluous time" to pinpoint specific durations where resources are being underutilized. Ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the time unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid using "superfluous time" in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "extra time" or "wasted time" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superfluous time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "superfluous" modifies the noun "time". Ludwig's AI confirms it's grammatically correct and generally acceptable, although not highly frequent.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superfluous time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe time that is unnecessary or excessive. Although deemed correct by Ludwig, the phrase is not frequently used, positioning it more in formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "unnecessary time" or "wasted time" for broader applicability. When aiming for precision in critiquing inefficiencies, "superfluous time" can be valuable. However, be mindful of your audience to avoid overly formal language where simpler terms suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary time

Focuses on the lack of necessity, emphasizing that the time spent is not required.

excess time

Highlights the abundance of time, suggesting more time is available than needed.

redundant time

Implies the time is repetitive or duplicative, adding no new value.

wasted time

Emphasizes the unproductive use of time, indicating a loss or squandering of opportunity.

idle time

Suggests the time is spent without purpose or activity, often implying a lack of engagement.

unproductive time

Directly states that the time is not yielding any positive results or output.

dead time

Refers to time that is stagnant and without progress, often implying boredom or frustration.

extra time

Simply indicates additional time beyond what is required or expected.

nonessential time

Highlights that the time is not crucial or vital to a particular task or outcome.

gratuitous time

Suggests the time is freely given or unnecessary, often implying it's excessive or unwarranted.

FAQs

What does "superfluous time" mean?

The phrase "superfluous time" refers to time that is unnecessary, excessive, or redundant in a given situation. It implies that the time could be better used for something else or eliminated entirely.

What can I say instead of "superfluous time"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary time", "excess time", or "wasted time" depending on the context.

How do you use "superfluous time" in a sentence?

You can use "superfluous time" to describe situations where time is being used inefficiently. For example, "The project meeting included a lot of "redundant time" discussing issues that had already been resolved."

What is the difference between "superfluous time" and "wasted time"?

"Superfluous time" emphasizes the unnecessary nature of the time, while "wasted time" focuses on the unproductive use of the time. While similar, "wasted time" carries a stronger connotation of loss or regret.