What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extraneous
Example
The professor asked the students to avoid including extraneous information in their essays. [extraneous: adjective]
Example
The company decided to cut extraneous expenses to save money. [extraneous: adjective]
unnecessary
Example
Please don't make any unnecessary noise during the exam. [unnecessary: adjective]
Example
The doctor advised against taking unnecessary risks with one's health. [unnecessary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unnecessary is more commonly used than extraneous in everyday language. Unnecessary is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, while extraneous is more specific and often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extraneous and unnecessary?
Extraneous is more formal than unnecessary. It is often used in academic or technical writing to describe something that is irrelevant or outside of a particular system or context. Unnecessary is more commonly used in everyday language and has a less formal tone.
