a sparse amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sparse amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or insufficient quantity of something. Example: "The research revealed a sparse amount of data on the subject, making it difficult to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Our method involves adapting a task-dependent LM that is created from a sparse amount of text using a large translated text, where denotes the machine translation of the rich corpus, preferably in the same domain area as the task.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Balaguer calls her research a "precarious history" of "creative theories" because before her, there was a sparse amount of documents and writings on graphic design in the Philippines.

Vice

Since April 1, Poincheval has been partaking in the interactive exhibition at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, essentially chilling inside a taxidermy bear with a sparse amount of food and water.

Huffington Post

There was a sparse amount of chronic heart failure data available for the Australian context.

BMJ Open

Such a sparse amount of data leads to an indistinguishability problem between the various proposed models (ie biologically different models can describe the same data set equally well).

Breast Cancer Research

Yet, aside from the fields of microbial genomics and human population genomics, for most taxa on earth only a sparse amount of genomic resources are available.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But the fettuccini al limone, a lighter alternative to the traditional, Titanic-sinking fettuccini Alfredo, was a delicate mingling of lemon, parmigiano and pepper with a sparse — perhaps too sparse — amount of cream.

The New York Times

First, the sparse amount of identified publications urges a questioning of the narrow inclusion criteria.

BMC Health Services Research

A new computation procedure is needed to deal with this sparse amount of water level data provided by the most data loggers relative to seismological data.

Journal of Hydrology

So far, the sparse amount of aid dropped in since 1996 has clearly helped.

The New York Times - Magazine

But how much can citizens actually do, particularly with the sparse amount of information they've been presented?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sparse amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking or insufficient. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sparse amount of" when you simply mean 'a small amount'. "Sparse" implies a lack or insufficiency, so ensure this meaning is appropriate for your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sparse amount of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a limited or insufficient quantity of something. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English. For example, "There was a sparse amount of data available."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sparse amount of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a limited or insufficient quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use across a variety of contexts, including scientific, news, and general writing. While it's important to ensure that the connotation of "sparse"—implying deficiency—is appropriate for the intended meaning, the phrase is generally well-received and easily understood. Consider using alternatives like "a limited quantity of" or "a small quantity of" for different shades of meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the versatility and correctness of this phrase in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited quantity of

Focuses on the restriction in quantity, implying that the amount is not as much as needed or desired.

a meager quantity of

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the amount, suggesting it is deficient or insufficient for the purpose.

a small quantity of

Indicates a quantity that is relatively low in number or extent, without necessarily implying inadequacy.

a modicum of

Implies a very small or moderate amount, often used when referring to something desirable or beneficial.

a trickle of

Suggests a slow and limited flow or supply of something, often used metaphorically.

a paucity of

Highlights the scarcity or lack of something, often used in more formal or academic contexts.

a handful of

Refers to a quantity that can be held in one's hand, implying a small or limited number.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a light and scattered distribution of something, often used when referring to small amounts.

a smattering of

Indicates a superficial or limited knowledge or experience of something, implying a small amount.

a fragment of

Emphasizes that only a small, broken-off piece or portion is available.

FAQs

How can I use "a sparse amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "a sparse amount of" to describe a situation where something is lacking or insufficient. For example, "There was a sparse amount of evidence to support the claim."

What are some alternatives to "a sparse amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited quantity of", "a meager quantity of", or "a small quantity of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a sparse amount of" or "a small amount of"?

The choice depends on the context. "A sparse amount of" emphasizes that the quantity is not only small but also insufficient or lacking. If the size is the only important element, "a small amount of" is appropriate.

What does "sparse" mean in the context of "a sparse amount of"?

In this context, "sparse" means thinly distributed, not dense, and often insufficient. It implies that there isn't enough of something to meet a particular need or expectation.