superfluous word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superfluous word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word that is unnecessary or excessive in a given context. Example: "In the sentence, the phrase 'very unique' contains a superfluous word, as 'unique' already implies an absolute state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

No superfluous word was allowed to survive.

The Economist

Rarely did he use a superfluous word.

The New York Times

Each superfluous word or phrase dulls the prose.

The New York Times - Books

Kelly Reichardt's latest film, "Wendy and Lucy," is 80 minutes long — it would fit inside Baz Luhrmann's "Australia" twice, with room to spare — and does not contain a superfluous word or shot.

The New York Times

The major player in the coffee and doughnut game realizes that fact, and today they've announced that after a year of careful research and study, they're finally dropping the second, superfluous word in their branding and will henceforth be known as Dunkin'.

The Guardian - Business

There's not a superfluous word or overdone effect in THE PRONE GUNMAN (City Lights Noir, paper, $11.95), one of the last cool, compact and shockingly original crime novels that Jean-Patrick Manchette left as his legacy to modern noir fiction when he died in 1995.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Every sleepy blink, every superfluous extra word, every gag – we see them coming a thousand miles off.

The Guardian - Film

Cut out superfluous words.

The Guardian

The authors warn against long sentences and superfluous words.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, the proliferation of superfluous words is nothing new.

The New York Times

Here and there, superfluous words were crossed out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When editing, actively search for words that can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. Eliminating even a few "superfluous words" can significantly improve clarity.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. Sometimes, a word isn't inherently "superfluous", but it's redundant given the surrounding words or the overall message. Ensure each word contributes unique value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superfluous word" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "superfluous" modifies the noun "word". It describes a word that is unnecessary or redundant in a particular context. Ludwig confirms this is a correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "superfluous word" correctly denotes an unnecessary or redundant word in writing or speech, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and academic contexts. Its usage aims to identify and eliminate wordiness, improving clarity and conciseness. When aiming for tighter writing, be mindful of unintentional redundancy and actively prune any "superfluous words" to strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary word

Replaces "superfluous" with a more common synonym.

redundant word

Uses a different term for unnecessary repetition.

excess word

A shorter, more direct way of saying "superfluous word".

gratuitous word

Implies the word is not only unnecessary but also uncalled for.

needless word

Similar to "unnecessary", but can imply a stronger sense of avoidability.

extra word

A simple, informal substitute.

unessential word

Emphasizes that the word is not crucial.

throwaway word

Suggests the word is carelessly added.

filler word

Refers to words that add no meaning and are used to fill space.

otiose word

A more formal and less common synonym for "superfluous".

FAQs

How to identify a "superfluous word" in a sentence?

A "superfluous word" is one that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Try reading the sentence aloud with and without the word to see if it adds anything essential.

What are some alternatives to saying "superfluous word"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary word", "redundant word", or "excess word" depending on the specific context.

How does removing "superfluous words" improve writing?

Removing "superfluous words" makes your writing more concise and direct, which improves clarity and makes it easier for the reader to understand your message.

Is it always bad to use a "superfluous word"?

While conciseness is generally valued, sometimes a seemingly "superfluous word" can add emphasis or nuance. The key is to be intentional and ensure the word serves a purpose, even if subtle.