a scant contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scant contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minimal or insufficient amount of contribution in various contexts, such as academic work, teamwork, or financial donations. Example: "Despite the team's efforts, the final report reflected a scant contribution from several members, which affected the overall quality of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, there seems to be only a scant contribution by coughing to acid regurgitation.

Cough

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That study also demonstrated the scant contribution of preexisting mature epithelial cells to such repairs, whereas LNEP cells exhibited proliferative capacity and multipotency.

BioMed Research International

The third candidate, Dwayne Smith, who has received only scant contributions, has not filed any reports.

The New York Times

Its annual report is such a scant document that even the financial contributions of the major newspapers are clothed in secrecy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Jolie's contribution is to endow the silliness with a gravity and clarity of purpose that makes you care, for a scant hour and a half, who Salt is, what she does and where she stands.

The New York Times

(It has a scant soundtrack).

The New York Times

Democrats can point to a scant few.

The New York Times

Stitch, using a scant 1/4 " seam allowance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The process lasted a scant nine minutes.

The New York Times

A scant three or four hands went up.

The New York Times

Zero to 60 acceleration requires a scant 5.4 seconds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a scant contribution", ensure the context clearly indicates what the contribution is insufficient for or in relation to. For example, "Despite numerous volunteers, the fundraising effort yielded a scant contribution towards the overall goal."

Common error

Avoid using "a scant contribution" when you mean to say there was no contribution at all. "Scant" implies there was some contribution, however small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant contribution" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "scant" modifies the noun "contribution". It indicates a minimal or insufficient amount of input, effort, or resources. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scant contribution" is a phrase used to describe something that provides a minimal or insufficient amount of input. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, although it carries a connotation of inadequacy. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it's found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Consider using alternatives like ""a minimal contribution"" or ""a meager contribution"" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal contribution

Replaces "scant" with "minimal", emphasizing the small quantity of the contribution.

a meager contribution

Substitutes "scant" with "meager", highlighting the inadequacy or poorness of the contribution.

a trifling contribution

Replaces "scant" with "trifling", indicating the contribution is of little importance or value.

a negligible contribution

Substitutes "scant" with "negligible", suggesting the contribution is so small it can be ignored.

a limited contribution

Replaces "scant" with "limited", focusing on the restricted nature of the contribution.

a fractional contribution

Uses "fractional" instead of "scant", indicating the contribution is just a small part of the whole.

a nominal contribution

Replaces "scant" with "nominal", implying the contribution is more symbolic than substantial.

a slight contribution

Substitutes "scant" with "slight", emphasizing the small degree or amount of the contribution.

a unsubstantial contribution

Replaces "scant" with "unsubstantial", emphasizing that it lacks substance.

a token contribution

Replaces "scant" with "token", implying the contribution is a symbolic gesture rather than something significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a scant contribution" to describe something that made a small or insufficient impact. For example: "Despite the team's effort, the project received "a scant contribution" from external sources".

What are some alternatives to "a scant contribution"?

Alternatives include "a minimal contribution", "a meager contribution", or "a trifling contribution", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does "scant" mean in the context of "a scant contribution"?

In this context, "scant" means barely sufficient or inadequate. It suggests that the contribution was small or limited.

Is it better to say "small contribution" or "a scant contribution"?

"Small contribution" is more neutral, while ""a scant contribution"" carries a stronger connotation of inadequacy or deficiency. The choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.