that's unnecessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that's unnecessary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not needed or is excessive in a given context. Example: "I appreciate your offer to help, but that's unnecessary since I can manage on my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In fact, that's unnecessary.

The New York Times

Paprika can grab recipes from other apps, but it involves a slightly complicated process that's unnecessary.

The New York Times - Tech

You feel a compulsion to be "on" in a way that's unnecessary when you type-chat while slumped in a grubby T-shirt and with pre-coffee "morning voice".

The New York Times - Tech

Today, with the relaxing of the dress codes, Iran's nouveaux riches are harder to spot, but Arash offered some additional examples: "A girl who has some enormous makeup that's unnecessary for the situation, high heels, but she's a virgin and has no boyfriend and wants an arranged marriage.

The New Yorker

I think that my own visual presence is something that's unnecessary to the show, and yet I'm required to stand there, so I'm trying to transmute my presence into something that I find to be an interesting way to display images.

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless, education researchers like Barbara E. Lovitts, who has written a new book urging professors to clarify what they expect in dissertations; for example, to point out that professors "view the dissertation as a training exercise" and that students should stop trying for "a degree of perfection that's unnecessary and unobtainable".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We consume things that are unnecessary artistically.

The New Yorker

A number of veteran diplomats conceded that there were areas at State that were unnecessary.

The New Yorker

But perhaps a scare that is unnecessary is better than silence.

The New Yorker

Ms. Frankel called the action today "ultimately a partisan act that is unnecessary, unfair and unjust".

The New York Times

It was a total disaster that was unnecessary and destroyed a generation," said Brian Eno, the composer and musician.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's unnecessary" to directly and clearly state that something is not needed, avoiding roundabout language. Ensure the context makes it clear what you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "that's unnecessary" in highly formal or professional communications where a more polite or nuanced phrasing might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "that is not required at this time" or "we can forgo that step".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's unnecessary" functions as a declarative statement, expressing that something is not needed or required. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct. It often serves to decline an offer, dismiss a concern, or point out redundancy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that's unnecessary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not needed or is superfluous. As highlighted by Ludwig, while generally acceptable, its usage should be tailored to the context, avoiding overly formal or polite situations where more nuanced phrasing is needed. Its frequency is uncommon and it's most frequently found in News & Media, but also in Wiki and Science. Alternative options include "that's not needed" and "that's superfluous". Use it wisely to maintain clarity and appropriateness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not needed

Changes the adjective from "unnecessary" to "not needed", keeping the same core meaning.

that's not required

Similar to "that's not needed", but uses "required" instead of "needed".

that's superfluous

Replaces "unnecessary" with a more formal synonym, "superfluous".

that's excessive

Focuses on the aspect of something being more than required.

that's redundant

Highlights the duplication or repetition making something not necessary.

that's uncalled for

Shifts the meaning slightly to suggest something was inappropriate or unwarranted.

that's gratuitous

Implies something is uncalled for and often unwelcome.

that's optional

Indicates that something is not mandatory.

that's extra

An informal way of saying something is beyond what's necessary.

that's avoidable

Emphasizes that something could have been prevented or didn't need to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "that's unnecessary" in a sentence?

Use "that's unnecessary" to indicate that something is not needed or is superfluous. For instance, "I appreciate the offer, but "that's unnecessary", I can handle it myself."

What phrases can I use instead of "that's unnecessary"?

Alternatives include "that's not needed", "that's superfluous", or "that's not required", depending on the level of formality you wish to convey.

Is "that's unnecessary" formal or informal?

"That's unnecessary" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "that is not required".

When is it inappropriate to use "that's unnecessary"?

Avoid using "that's unnecessary" if it could be perceived as dismissive or rude. In situations requiring tact, consider rephrasing with a more considerate tone, such as "we can manage without that at this time".