a scant number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scant number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insufficient quantity of something. Example: "The research revealed a scant number of participants willing to take part in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Let's hope that Barr promptly turns over the report with a scant number of redactions.

The Washington Post

A scant number — 37 — were because the loan had been paid off, presumably because the borrower sold the house.

The New York Times

Americans are split over whether their own health-care costs will rise or not under the new law; a scant number expect a discount.

The Washington Post

Azharī formed the new government in January 1954, and the southern Sudanese, who had received a scant number of positions in the new administration, felt increasingly marginalized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A scant number of pedestrians, some in dust masks, others just standing, watching, the indigenous people, clinging to walls and doorways, unaccustomed to traffic that doesn't bring buyers and sellers, goods and cash.

The Guardian - Books

As well as the chillies (a scant number, in my opinion – just 2, to Slater's 6), galangal, lemongrass, shallots and garlic, he calls for 3 makrut (aka kaffir) lime leaves, and a teaspoon of shrimp paste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The first as already mentioned is that he will get a relatively scant number of black votes.

Huffington Post

This is particularly clear in the scant number of episodes, just a dozen or so over six seasons, in which Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna have appeared as an ensemble.

The New Yorker

VR is one of those technical achievements that's hard for people to wrap their heads around without experiencing first-hand, and Gear VR could do more for Oculus in that regard in a short period of time than the scant number of Rift developer units has since they became available.

TechCrunch

But the scant number of apps available for it will be a real drawback and won't satisfy BlackBerry fans looking for an iPhone equivalent".

The New York Times

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 1.4m tech jobs will be waiting for Stem graduates by 2020, The National Assessment of Educational Progress predicts a shortfall of nearly 1m vacancies, or 70%, based on the scant number of students majoring in Stem subjects.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scant number" when you want to emphasize not just that something is few, but that it is surprisingly or disappointingly so.

Common error

Avoid using "a scant number" in informal contexts or when simpler terms like "few" or "a small number" would suffice. The phrase can sound overly formal or affected in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity of the noun, indicating that the number is surprisingly or disappointingly small. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scant number" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quantity that is surprisingly or disappointingly small. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its register leans towards neutral, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While "a scant number" effectively conveys scarcity, be mindful of the overall tone. More casual terms might be more appropriate in informal conversations. Consider alternatives like "a small number" or "few" for broader applications. This phrase carries a stronger sense of surprise or disappointment regarding the limited quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meager number

Replaces "scant" with "meager", emphasizing the insufficiency or inadequacy of the number.

a limited number

Uses "limited" instead of "scant", focusing on the restriction in quantity.

a small number

Employs the more common term "small" to convey the reduced quantity.

a tiny number

Substitutes "scant" with "tiny", highlighting the extremely small size of the number.

a handful

Replaces "a scant number" with a more figurative expression indicating a very small quantity.

a paucity

Uses the noun "paucity" to denote a lack or scarcity of something, implying a small number.

few

A concise substitute that directly expresses that there are not many.

a trickle

Implies a very small and slow flow or appearance of something, suggesting a scant number.

an insignificant number

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact due to the small number.

a negligible amount

Focuses on the almost non-existent quantity, conveying that the number is so small it's barely worth considering.

FAQs

What does "a scant number" mean?

The phrase "a scant number" means a very small or insufficient quantity of something. It suggests that the amount is surprisingly or disappointingly small.

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

You can use "a scant number" to describe anything that exists in a small quantity. For example: "A scant number of supporters attended the rally."

What are some alternatives to "a scant number"?

Alternatives to "a scant number" include "a small number", "few", "a limited number", or "a handful" depending on the context.

Is "a scant number" formal or informal?

"A scant number" leans towards the formal side, indicating a more precise or critical observation of a quantity. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "few" or "a small amount" might be more appropriate.