What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
redundant
Example
The extra buttons on this shirt are redundant. [redundant: adjective]
Example
After the merger, several employees were made redundant. [redundant: adjective]
Example
Saying 'ATM machine' is redundant because the 'M' already stands for machine. [redundant: adjective]
surplus
Example
The farm had a surplus of tomatoes this year. [surplus: noun]
Example
The store had a surplus of winter coats and put them on clearance. [surplus: noun]
Example
The company's budget had a surplus of $10,000 at the end of the year. [surplus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surplus is more commonly used than redundant in everyday language. Surplus is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while redundant is less common and is typically used in specific contexts such as language or employment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between redundant and surplus?
Both redundant and surplus can be used in formal and informal contexts, but redundant may be more commonly used in technical or professional settings due to its specific meaning in language and employment contexts.
