although scarcely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although scarcely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession, often implying that something is true to a very limited extent. Example: "The project was ambitious, although scarcely feasible given the time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's surely harder now too (although scarcely impossible), to sustain a government cover-up of any major debacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although scarcely anything else seems to be put on in the West End these days, stagings of much-loved books and movies do carry one big risk.

The Guardian

Governments were much more generous than their precursors in Australia (although scarcely more so than many counterparts elsewhere) in funding opera and ballet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its principal, although scarcely its only focus, is on soft money -- the big corporate, union, and individual contributions to political parties that grew up outside the regulatory framework of the old law -- and on corporate and union sponsorship of political advertising on television at the height of election season.

The New York Times

Although scarcely investigated (cf. section 2), we argue here that the problems of indeterminacy faced by the analyst may be due to a divergence between the semantic and syntactic streams of information and, in this sense, due to an indeterminacy in the transitivity system (cf. Halliday's quote above).

Functional Linguistics

Known as Masopust, which literally translates to "giving up meat," the festival was historically a final blowout before the beginning of Lent, although scarcely anyone in this largely atheist country keeps a Christian fast anymore.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The dissolution of the AIS, although welcome, scarcely affects the security situation since its forces had not been fighting anyway.

The Economist

Although he scarcely looked it, Fuller admitted to me that he was feeling a little run down at the moment.

The New Yorker

Although competitiveness scarcely featured in his election campaign, he admits today that something is wrong in France.

The Economist

Although it scarcely needs pointing out how much, in turn, the Old Firm dominate their own league's money-pot.

Independent

Although Slovakia scarcely threatened Joe Hart's goal, it should not be overlooked that England had an almighty let-off seven minutes into the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although scarcely" to introduce a contrast, indicating that something is true to a very limited extent. This helps to create nuanced and balanced arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "although scarcely" when making absolute statements. It is best suited for contexts where a degree of concession or contrast is necessary, not when asserting something unequivocally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although scarcely" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a clause that presents a contrast or limitation to the main clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies something is true to a limited extent. The examples show it connecting ideas with a degree of opposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although scarcely" is a valuable conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast with a degree of limitation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news media and scientific publications, offering a means of adding nuance to statements. When writing, use "although scarcely" to present a balanced perspective and to avoid oversimplification, but remember that synonyms like "even if barely" or "though hardly" are available when a slight variation in tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if barely

This phrase emphasizes the minimal extent to which something is true despite the opposing clause.

though hardly

This alternative maintains a similar level of formality while using different wording to express the limited impact.

even though minimally

This phrase highlights the minimal degree to which something is true despite an opposing factor.

while only slightly

This expresses that something is true to a minor extent, contrasting it with something else.

notwithstanding its limited

This alternative provides a more formal and emphatic way of expressing the limitation.

despite its small

A simpler construction focusing on the size or degree of the contrasted element.

in spite of its meager

Similar to "despite its small", emphasizing the lack of abundance or significance.

albeit with little

A formal alternative highlighting the small amount or degree of something.

even if only just

Focuses on the idea that something barely manages to meet a certain condition.

granted it's not much

This phrase explicitly acknowledges the limited nature of something being conceded.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "although scarcely" in a sentence?

Use "although scarcely" to introduce a contrasting idea, implying the contrasted element has a limited effect. For example, "The evidence was compelling, "although scarcely" conclusive".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "although scarcely"?

Alternatives include "even if barely", "though hardly", or "even though minimally". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "although scarcely" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "although scarcely" is appropriate for formal writing. It provides a nuanced way to introduce a concession or contrast in academic or professional contexts.

Can "although scarcely" be replaced with "but" or "however"?

While "but" or "however" can introduce a contrast, they don't convey the same sense of limited effect as "although scarcely". "Although scarcely" is more precise when you want to emphasize that the contrasted element has only a slight impact.