unnecessary words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unnecessary words" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing writing clarity or conciseness. For example, "The essay was filled with unnecessary words that obscured the main argument." Alternative expressions include "superfluous words" and "excess words."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eliminate unnecessary words, such as "passionate", "motivated" or "hard-working".

The Guardian

Are they buried among too many unnecessary words and phrases?

The Guardian

In clause (12), the word "individuals" is substituted for "commuters or others" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

Subsection (g) is substituted for 49 App.:2311 d) to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

In subsection (f), the word "fair" is substituted for "fair and equitable" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

deposits" are substituted for "claims by or on behalf of depositors" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

The word "changes" is substituted for "amendments and revisions" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

Subsection (b)(1) and (2) is substituted for 31:767(lasentencence) to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

The word "affect" is substituted for "affect, change, or modify" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

The word "execute" is substituted for "authorize and cause to be executed" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

Subsection (b)(2) is substituted for 15:1414(a)(5)(B) to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When editing, use the concept of "unnecessary words" to audit your sentences for 'clutter' words such as "very", "really" or "actually".

Common error

Do not remove words to the point that the sentence becomes ambiguous; sometimes what looks like "unnecessary words" are actually essential markers for tone or transition.

Linguistic Context

In most contexts analyzed by Ludwig, this phrase acts as a noun phrase functioning as a direct object. It is frequently paired with verbs like "eliminate", "remove", "cut" or "omit" in instructional or legislative settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Social Media

3%

Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unnecessary words" is a fundamental concept in English editing and legislative revision. Ludwig AI data reveals its heavy usage in authoritative legal documents from Cornell University, where it justifies the simplification of the US Code. Furthermore, it is a staple in journalism and style guides, often appearing alongside calls to eliminate fluff and linguistic decoration. While it is widely accepted and grammatically correct, the key for any writer is distinguishing between words that add needed nuance and those that truly serve no purpose. Following the examples found in Ludwig, writers should aim for a balance where every word earns its place on the page.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

redundant words

Focuses specifically on words that repeat information already present in the sentence

superfluous language

A more formal and sophisticated alternative often used in literary or legal contexts

filler words

Refers to low-value sounds or terms like "basically" or "actually" used to fill space

needless phrases

Extends the concept to multi-word units that do not contribute to the meaning

excess verbiage

A highly formal and slightly critical way to describe an overabundance of words

wordy expressions

Shifts the focus to the style of the phrasing rather than the individual words

linguistic fat

A metaphorical term used to describe parts of a sentence that should be trimmed

pleonastic terms

A technical linguistic term for using more words than necessary to convey a meaning

tautological phrasing

Specifically refers to the logical error of saying the same thing twice in different words

prolixity

A formal noun describing the state of being tediously wordy

FAQs

How do I use "unnecessary words" in a sentence?

You can use it when discussing editing, such as: "The editor suggested I remove the "unnecessary words" to improve the flow."

What is a more formal term for "unnecessary words"?

A more formal way to express this concept is "superfluous language" or "excess verbiage".

What is the difference between "unnecessary words" and "redundant words"?

While often used interchangeably, "redundant words" specifically repeat an idea already stated, whereas "unnecessary words" might simply be low-value fillers.

Can "unnecessary words" be used in academic writing?

Yes, it is common in style guides and legal revisions, as seen in Ludwig examples from Cornell University where text is substituted to eliminate "unnecessary words".