a scrap of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scrap of information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or insignificant piece of information, often in a context where more substantial information is desired. Example: "Despite searching for hours, all I could find was a scrap of information about the missing report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's going to be a scrap of information".

The New York Times

Sick with anxiety, Carrie and Rudyard visited war hospitals and interviewed soldiers from John's regiment, the Irish Guards, hoping for a scrap of information.

The New Yorker

It was a scrap of information, based on a single 1999 British intelligence report and not enough to be considered credible.

The New York Times

ALL investigations begin with a tip, a lead, a scrap of information as slight as the seat number passed along by a flight attendant aboard a doomed airliner on Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Detectives searching for a gunman who has sexually assaulted and robbed four women since September used a scrap of information from an apparently unrelated crime to trace a suspect to his home within a mile of where all the attacks occurred, the police said yesterday.

The New York Times

In the process, each time a scrap of information was discovered — the color of a hat, the type of straps on a backpack, the weighted droop of a bag — it was passed out on Twitter like "Wanted" posters tacked to lampposts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is understandable that reporters and pundits would try to turn these staff problems into "telling signs" of what kind of president Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama would be: picking a president is an important task, and almost any scrap of information seems significant.

The New York Times

His quest sends him on a road trip through Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida as he digs for any scrap of information that might provide a new twist on the old story.

The New York Times - Books

For parents of missing children, any scrap of information that could lead to an abductor is precious.

The New York Times

"Leor and I hunted for any scrap of information that might lead us to an address for the building.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And investigators are parsing the final conversations of his life, searching for any scrap of information that might provide clues to what may prove an elusive goal: a motive for the shootings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scrap of information" when you want to emphasize that the amount of information is small and perhaps insufficient, but still potentially valuable.

Common error

Avoid using "a scrap of information" to describe something truly substantial or groundbreaking; it downplays the importance of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scrap of information" functions as a noun phrase, with "scrap" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "information". Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scrap of information" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small, often insufficient, amount of data. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's essential to use it judiciously, as it can imply a lack of importance. Consider alternatives like "a fragment of data" or "a morsel of intelligence" if a more neutral or precise term is needed. The phrase can be particularly useful when emphasizing the limited nature of available information, as highlighted in Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small piece of data

This is a more literal substitution, clarifying the size and nature of the information.

a fragment of data

This alternative replaces "scrap" with "fragment" and "information" with "data", maintaining the idea of a small piece of something.

a sliver of detail

Replaces "scrap" with "sliver" and "information" with "detail", focusing on the minuteness of the piece.

a morsel of intelligence

This uses "morsel" to emphasize the small quantity and "intelligence" to specify the type of information.

a bit of news

This alternative uses "news" instead of "information" focusing on factual reports, making it suitable when discussing current events.

a hint of knowledge

This suggests a subtle indication or suggestion related to a particular subject.

an iota of detail

Uses "iota" to emphasize the extremely small quantity of detail.

a trace of insight

This shifts the focus to a minimal amount of understanding or awareness gained.

a fleeting insight

Focuses on the brief and ephemeral nature of the information.

a mere factoid

This suggests the information is not only small but also possibly trivial or unimportant.

FAQs

What does "a scrap of information" mean?

The phrase "a scrap of information" refers to a small, often insignificant, piece of data or detail. It implies that the information is minimal but may still be useful or valuable.

What can I say instead of "a scrap of information"?

You can use alternatives like "a fragment of data", "a bit of news", or "a morsel of intelligence" depending on the context.

How is "a scrap of information" different from "a piece of information"?

"A piece of information" is a more general term. "A scrap of information" emphasizes the small and potentially incomplete nature of the information.

Is it appropriate to use "a scrap of information" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it carefully. While grammatically correct, "a scrap of information" can imply that the information is not very important. In formal writing, ensure this connotation aligns with your intended message. Consider using a more neutral term like "a piece of data" if you want to avoid any negative implications.