More sparsely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "More sparsely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is distributed or arranged in a less dense manner compared to another instance. Example: "The trees in this area are more sparsely located than in the forest we visited last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The bride's side was more sparsely filled.

The New Yorker

Other artists in the exhibition are more sparsely presented.

The New York Times

The opponents of the law were much more sparsely represented.

The New Yorker

Eastern Connecticut is more sparsely populated but still leans Democratic.

The New York Times

The government grants might encourage power companies to install it in more sparsely populated areas.

The New York Times

P.S. Next week, I'll be out of the office and will be blogging more sparsely.

The New Yorker

Valley networks are rare, although not absent, in the younger, more sparsely cratered areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earlier, space-filling linear design yields to more sparsely placed curvilinear designs consisting of dots.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some are rich with visual detail and text; others are more sparsely drawn.

The New York Times - Books

In the more sparsely settled upper valleys, corn, cattle, and forestry are the economic mainstays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But at the west end of the proposed new runways the land is more sparsely populated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more sparsely" when comparing the distribution or frequency of something across different contexts or time periods. For example, "The stars are more sparsely distributed in this galaxy compared to others."

Common error

Avoid using "more sparsely" when you simply need to indicate a smaller quantity. "Sparsely" refers to distribution or frequency, not just the total amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more sparsely" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe the manner in which something is distributed or occurs. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs related to population density, distribution of objects, and frequency of actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more sparsely" functions as an adverbial modifier used to compare the density or frequency of something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, especially within news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. The analysis indicates a neutral formality level, making it suitable for a wide range of written communication. Several alternative phrases, such as "less densely" and "more thinly", offer similar meanings depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability, reinforcing its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Less densely

Focuses specifically on spatial distribution rather than broader applications of 'sparsely'.

More thinly

Implies a spread-out distribution, often referring to physical objects or entities.

More infrequently

Shifts the emphasis to the time interval between occurrences.

More rarely

Highlights the uncommon nature of an event or occurrence.

More sporadically

Suggests an irregular or inconsistent pattern of occurrence.

With lower density

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of distribution.

In a scattered manner

Focuses on the haphazard arrangement.

Less populated

Specifically relates to the number of inhabitants or elements in a given area.

More distributed

Highlights the act of spreading out or dispersing.

More diffused

Suggests a wider, less concentrated spread.

FAQs

How do I use "more sparsely" in a sentence?

Use "more sparsely" to describe something that is less dense or less frequent compared to something else. For instance, "The trees were "more sparsely" planted in this section of the forest."

What's a good alternative to "more sparsely"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "less densely", "more thinly", or "more infrequently".

When should I use "more sparsely" versus "less densely"?

"More sparsely" emphasizes the distribution or arrangement of items, while "less densely" focuses on the concentration within a given area. They are often interchangeable, but consider which aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say something is "more sparsely populated"?

Yes, "more sparsely populated" is correct. It indicates a lower population density compared to another area or time. For example, "Rural areas are often "more sparsely populated" than urban centers."