What are unnecessary words in a sentence referred to as?

Unnecessary words in a sentence are referred to as clutter. This term captures the idea that such words can distract from the main message or purpose of the writing, making it less clear and harder to understand. Effective writing is often characterized by conciseness and clarity, which means avoiding the inclusion of superfluous language that does not add value to the overall meaning.

While terms like fluff or extraneous might also imply a lack of necessity, clutter specifically emphasizes the idea of excessive or redundant language that muddles communication. Prose generally refers to written or spoken language in its ordinary form, focusing more on style rather than conciseness. Understanding this concept of clutter can greatly enhance your writing effectiveness, ensuring that the message is delivered clearly and succinctly.