a scant paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scant paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a paper that is limited in quantity, size, or content, often implying that it is insufficient or lacking in detail. Example: "The report was disappointing, as it was merely a scant paper that failed to cover the necessary topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The extent of financial involvement from major corporations has been unclear, as there has been only a scant paper trail to examine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And among the self-employed, those who are doctors, lawyers or other highly paid professionals with scant paper trails — due to the fact that they provide a service and don't have a detailed inventory of inputs — tend to be the most agile tax evaders.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, once settled, I still find myself more perturbed by the person sitting next to me than the scant paper roll.

Huffington Post

There were a scant number of papers that mentioned the relationship between depression and SBI in a prospective way.

Clinical interventions in aging

Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a scant 1/4 inch (5mm) thick.

WikiHow

The implications of Newtonian physics took centuries to be fully expressed through technology, but it was a scant 40 years between Einstein's first revolutionary paper and the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima.

BBC

As if in response to this vague miasma of disapprobation, James Plath, president of the Updike Society (membership stands at a scant 250), adopted a faintly apologetic tone when speaking to local paper the Reading Eagle about their acquisition of the house.

The Guardian - Books

(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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a scant paper", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking or insufficient about the document. Clarity is crucial to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a scant paper" when the document is simply concise or brief. The phrase implies a significant deficiency or lack of necessary information, not just brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant paper" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically using the adjective "scant" to modify the noun "paper". According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that the paper is limited in quantity, size, or content.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a scant paper" is used to describe a document that is deficient or lacking in substance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting that it conveys a limitation in quantity, size, or content. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant deficiency rather than mere brevity. Consider alternatives like "a meager document" or "a limited report" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A meager document

Replaces "scant" with "meager", emphasizing the small quantity or poor quality of the document.

A limited report

Uses "limited" to highlight the restricted scope or depth of the report, focusing on constraints.

An insufficient study

Substitutes "scant" with "insufficient", directly indicating the study's inadequacy for its intended purpose.

A superficial analysis

Focuses on the lack of depth in the analysis, suggesting a lack of thoroughness.

A brief paper

Replaces "scant" with "brief", highlighting the short length or conciseness of the paper.

A shallow investigation

Emphasizes the lack of deep inquiry or thorough examination in the investigation.

A cursory review

Highlights the rushed or superficial nature of the review.

A sketchy account

Indicates that the account is incomplete, lacking in detail and possibly unreliable.

A rudimentary document

Suggests the document is basic, undeveloped, or at an early stage of development.

A thin report

Uses "thin" to describe the lack of substance or detail in the report.

FAQs

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

You can use "a scant paper" to describe a document that is lacking in detail or substance. For example: "The investigation produced "a scant paper", failing to address the key issues."

What's a good alternative to "a scant paper"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a meager document", "a limited report", or "an insufficient study".

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

In this context, "scant" means barely sufficient or inadequate. It implies that the paper lacks important details or depth.

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

Yes, "a scant paper" can be used in formal writing when you need to convey that a document is deficient or lacking in substance. However, ensure the tone remains objective and professional.