a scant amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scant amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insufficient quantity of something. Example: "The recipe calls for a scant amount of salt, just enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The dressing is a scant amount of olive oil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.

The New York Times - Food

Moreover, a scant amount of literature is available on considering the architectural flexibility and integration cost simultaneously.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

These results indicated that additional bedding above a scant amount improves cow comfort, as measured by lying time, likely because a well-bedded surface is more compressible.

Journal of Dairy Science

There is little to distract the reader - no blogroll, no comments and only a scant amount of text identifying each item's name, components and provenance.

The New York Times

Britain has a history of embarrassing failures with mox, including the closure last year of a $2 billion blending plant that spent 10 years producing a scant amount of fuel.

Yale University

Just cut a small onion into fine half-moons and fry it in a scant amount of oil in a skillet until soft, with some salt sprinkled on to stop it from burning.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There were loads of layers – we counted about 15 – and a very scant amount of béchamel and meat ragu, but just the right amount.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Abyei straddles the north-south border and has oil (though a relatively scant amount), and both sides have laid emotional claims to it.

The New York Times

The scant amount of pubes on show suggests it is a man who trims regularly – perhaps because he's the kind of guy who will gladly send a picture of his own bare balls to a multinational media company.

Vice

Patients also take a fistful of medications every day to help their tissues absorb the scant amount of these minerals their bodies can manage and to stave off the collateral damage of kidney failure such as heart disease, anemia, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, severe joint pain and loss of mental acuity.

Los Angeles Times

The nutritionist pushed back on the scant amount of meat.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scant amount" when you want to emphasize not just that something is small, but that it is barely enough or perhaps even insufficient for the purpose at hand. For example, "There was a scant amount of rain this season, leading to drought conditions."

Common error

While acceptable, "a scant amount" can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "a small quantity" or "a minimal amount", particularly in formal or scientific writing. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and clarity required for your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant amount" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It qualifies the noun "amount", indicating a small and often insufficient quantity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a scant amount" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe a quantity that is both small and barely sufficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of scarcity or inadequacy. While suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, you might consider more precise terms like "a minimal quantity" in formal writing. The phrase is particularly frequent in News & Media according to Ludwig examples, highlighting its use in reporting on limited resources or insufficient provisions. Be mindful to emphasize both smallness and near insufficiency to get the maximum value from using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Focuses on the limited quantity without necessarily implying insufficiency.

a minimal quantity

Emphasizes the quantity is at the lowest possible level.

a negligible amount

Suggests the amount is so small it's hardly worth considering.

a limited quantity

Highlights the restriction on the quantity available.

an insufficient quantity

Directly states the quantity is not enough for a particular purpose.

a trifling amount

Implies the amount is unimportant and of little value.

a modicum

A more formal term for a small or moderate amount.

a dash

Implies a very small amount of something, usually a liquid or powder.

a pinch

Similar to 'a dash', used for a small amount that can be held between the fingers.

a dribble

Suggests an extremely small amount, often liquid, trickling or leaking.

FAQs

How can I use "a scant amount" in a sentence?

Use "a scant amount" to describe a quantity that is barely sufficient or almost inadequate. For example, "The success of the project hinged on a scant amount of funding."

What's the difference between "a scant amount" and "a small amount"?

"A scant amount" implies that the quantity is not only small but also barely sufficient, whereas "a small amount" simply indicates a low quantity without necessarily implying insufficiency.

What are some synonyms for "a scant amount"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity", "a minimal quantity", or "a negligible amount", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a scant amount" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider whether a more precise or formal term like "a limited quantity" or "an insufficient quantity" might be more suitable depending on the context.