the surplus of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the surplus of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an amount of something that is more than what is necessary, or an excess. For example, "The surplus of sugar in the recipe made the cake too sweet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Polluters that cannot squeeze under their caps buy the surplus of light polluters.

The Economist

The surplus of bachelors in a rich country has sucked in brides from abroad.

The Economist

In Hull the surplus of secondary places comes to 28%, with many secondaries undersubscribed.

The Guardian

The bid was nonetheless a strong one, given the surplus of films and scarcity of buyers.

The New York Times

This was especially true of central Russia, where the surplus of labour kept wages down to the minimum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 2020, he reckons, the surplus of Chinese males in their 20s will exceed the entire female population of Taiwan.

The Economist

Ms. Hedegaard issued a report on Thursday showing the surplus of permits on the market had reached a record high.

The New York Times

London contributed fully 37% of England's natural population increase (the surplus of births over deaths) between 2009 and 2010.

The Economist

You have confused the total level of Japan's savings with the surplus of such savings over domestic investment.

The Economist

That will put a dent in the surplus of carbon credits, which is estimated at two billion tons.

The New York Times

The rangers tend to be hardened and uneducated, drawn from different ethnic groups and the surplus of unemployed youth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the surplus of", ensure that the noun following "of" is specific and quantifiable to clearly convey the excess being described. For instance, "the surplus of carbon credits" is more effective than "the surplus of things".

Common error

Avoid using "the surplus of" with abstract nouns when a more precise term is available. For example, instead of "the surplus of happiness", consider using phrases like "an abundance of joy" or "overflowing happiness" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the surplus of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that there is an excessive amount or overabundance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the surplus of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies an excess or overabundance of something. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various domains. It is commonly found in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the noun following "of" is specific and quantifiable to effectively convey the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "the excess of" or "the abundance of" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the excess of

Replaces "surplus" with "excess", indicating a quantity that is more than what is needed or usual.

the abundance of

Substitutes "surplus" with "abundance", emphasizing a large quantity or plentiful supply.

the oversupply of

Uses "oversupply" instead of "surplus", specifically highlighting an excess in supply.

the overproduction of

Employs "overproduction", focusing on the act of producing more than is required.

the glut of

Replaces "surplus" with "glut", suggesting an excessive supply that can cause problems.

the surfeit of

Substitutes "surplus" with "surfeit", indicating an excessive amount, often to the point of causing discomfort.

the plethora of

Uses "plethora" instead of "surplus", emphasizing a very large or excessive amount.

the overage of

Employs "overage", meaning the amount by which something exceeds the required or expected amount.

an excess of

Replaces "the surplus" with "an excess", changing the structure to use an indefinite article.

a glut of

Similar to "the glut of", but uses an indefinite article, indicating a general instance of excess.

FAQs

How can I use "the surplus of" in a sentence?

Use "the surplus of" to indicate an excess or overabundance of something. For example, "The market is experiencing "the surplus of" available apartments, leading to lower rental costs."

What can I say instead of "the surplus of"?

You can use alternatives like "the excess of", "the abundance of", or "the oversupply of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a surplus of" instead of "the surplus of"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The surplus of" refers to a specific, identified surplus, while "a surplus of" refers to a general instance of excess. For instance, "a surplus of crops this year helped lower food prices."

What is the difference between "the surplus of" and "the deficit of"?

"The surplus of" indicates an excess or overabundance, while "the deficit of" indicates a shortage or deficiency. They are antonyms, representing opposite conditions.