a scant quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But here, already he survived for 5 days and there may be a scant quantity of non-metabolized form of phosphine left.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A scant amount of luminal content was expressed through both puncture sites to ensure patency.

Critical Care

It is remarkable what has already been accomplished with a scant amount of materials.

Unicef

The placebo contains also a scant amount of fish oil to provide a comparable taste of the different capsules.

BMC Psychiatry

Its crystalline, nutrient-poor waters support scant quantities of the floating, microscopic algae that microbes feed on once the algae die.

Science Magazine

But that normally didn't matter to the organisations who wanted to see more bodies on the ground protesting: many people only received a scant overview of some of the major issues, and the quality and quantity of information delivered depended heavily on which organisation one was affiliated with.

The Guardian - Opinion

A scant handful of minor critiques have been reflected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even a scant crop of peas was passed around the conference room table as a snack.

The New York Times - Food

In spite of the VAT, government revenue is a scant 11% of GDP.

The Economist

There are toppings listed on a chalkboard, along with a scant menu of wines and beer.

The New York Times - Food

Online giving accounts for a scant 7% of gifts, and just 1% arrive by text message.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a scant quantity of", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the small amount is significant or problematic. For example, "The success of the project hinged on a scant quantity of resources, making innovation essential."

Common error

Avoid using "a scant quantity of" when the amount is merely adequate or sufficient. The phrase implies a problematic lack, so ensure the context supports this implication. Otherwise, consider using a more neutral term like "a small amount of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is present in a small or inadequate amount. Ludwig AI validates this usage, highlighting its role in describing limited resources or insufficient quantities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scant quantity of" is a phrase used to denote a small or inadequate amount of something, often implying that the insufficiency is significant. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize scarcity. While the phrase isn't overly common, appearing infrequently across various sources, it is most likely found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Remember, using "a scant quantity of" is most appropriate when you want to highlight the deficiency and potential negative implications of a limited amount, and not when you are simply indicating that the quantity is small.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meager amount of

Replaces "scant quantity" with "meager amount", emphasizing the insufficiency.

a trifling quantity of

Substitutes "scant" with "trifling", highlighting the insignificance of the amount.

a negligible amount of

Replaces "scant quantity" with "negligible amount", suggesting the amount is so small it can be ignored.

a diminutive quantity of

Uses "diminutive" instead of "scant", indicating a very small size or amount.

a paltry amount of

Replaces "scant" with "paltry", emphasizing the worthlessness or inadequacy of the amount.

a limited amount of

Focuses on the restriction in quantity rather than its smallness.

a small measure of

Uses "measure" instead of "quantity", providing a slightly different perspective on the amount.

a trace amount of

Indicates an extremely small, barely detectable quantity.

a modicum of

Implies just enough to satisfy a basic need, emphasizing bare minimum.

a speck of

Replaces the more formal "quantity" with "speck", making it sound even smaller.

FAQs

How can I use "a scant quantity of" in a sentence?

Use "a scant quantity of" to describe a noticeably small or insufficient amount of something. For example, "The experiment failed due to "a scant quantity of" the necessary catalyst".

What are some alternatives to "a scant quantity of"?

You can use alternatives like "a meager amount of", "a negligible amount of", or "a limited amount of depending on the context".

Is it better to say "a small quantity of" or "a scant quantity of"?

"A small quantity of" is more neutral, simply indicating the amount is not large. "A scant quantity of" emphasizes that the amount is so small it may be insufficient or problematic.

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

In this context, "scant" means barely sufficient or inadequate. It suggests that the amount in question is less than what is needed or expected.