although sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding something that is limited or lacking in quantity or detail. Example: "The report was informative, although sparse in data, leaving some questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Dr. Mark Hurwitz of the University of California at Berkeley, the principal mission scientist, said the gas in this region, although sparse, was extremely hot, at 1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit, and radiated most of its energy in the little-studied extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The New York Times - Science

Although sparse representation and sparse recovery algorithms for colocated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar have received much attention, incoherence of the sensing matrix received few discussions.

Signal Processing

Although sparse feature learning effectively learns the feature from the data, appropriate preprocessing is a prerequisite to obtaining a good feature.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

This indicates that using nested array structure, although sparse samples are obtained, the degrees of freedom is enhanced, 2 [ ( N 1 + 1 ) N 2 − 1 ] + 1 = 2 ( N 1 + 1 ) N 2 − 1. (5).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The BH results, although sparse, were largely obtained at depths of less than 100 m and therefore represent shallow bedrock determinations and are subject to a degree of vertical variability.

Geothermal Energy

Although sparse representation can be used for solving a system of linear equations that are overdetermined as seen in [4], it has also shown promise for underdetermined systems as demonstrated in robust face recognition studies such as [39].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He says that most recent scientific evidence, although admittedly sparse, is in favour of the retention of DNA evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the sparse representation coefficients from different views may be different in the coefficient distribution, they share most support samples.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The binder is a lime-based (calcitic), nearly homogeneous, micritic sometime microsparitic matrix, although some sparse uncarbonated rounded lumps of lime were also observed.

Heritage Science

Although several sparse PCEs have been developed, a large number of deterministic model evaluations may be still required to achieve a satisfactory accuracy since equal-weighted collocation samples are used.

Structural Safety

With a relatively high density value, we preserve a dense cluster structure (although some "sparse" red/green voxels around the current cluster boundary may be excluded in the DBC process).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although sparse" to introduce a fact or observation that seems contradictory or unexpected given the sparseness being described. This sets up a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "although sparse" when a simple description of scarcity is sufficient. The phrase is most effective when it sets up a contrast or qualification, not just a statement of fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although sparse" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a concession. It modifies a clause by acknowledging a limitation (sparseness) while introducing a potentially contrasting or unexpected element. Ludwig AI shows this often precedes a statement that holds true despite the limited nature of what is being described.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although sparse" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for introducing a contrasting element in a statement. Ludwig AI identifies it as functioning primarily as an adverbial phrase of concession, serving to qualify a statement by acknowledging limitations while still emphasizing its validity or importance. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, demonstrating its suitability for both analytical and informative writing. Remember to use it to introduce a nuanced perspective rather than simply stating a lack of quantity or detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though limited

Focuses on the limited nature of something, similar to "although sparse".

despite being scarce

Emphasizes the scarcity while still acknowledging its existence, creating a contrast.

though infrequent

Highlights the lack of frequency despite something's occasional occurrence.

even if minimal

Stresses the minimal amount or degree, contrasting it with the main point.

notwithstanding its rarity

Acknowledges the rarity of something while presenting a contrasting aspect.

while uncommon

Indicates that something is not common, though it exists.

albeit limited

Acknowledges a limitation but does not negate the main point.

in spite of its paucity

Highlights the smallness of something, setting up a contrast.

though scant

Indicates a minimal amount, similar to "sparse".

even when thinly distributed

Highlights the sparse distribution of something while moving on to make another relevant point.

FAQs

How can I use "although sparse" in a sentence?

Use "although sparse" to introduce a contrasting element where something exists or occurs despite being limited in quantity or distribution. For example, "Although sparse evidence exists, it suggests a correlation."

What are some alternatives to "although sparse"?

Consider using alternatives such as "even though limited", "despite being scarce", or "though infrequent depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "although sparse" or "despite being sparse"?

Both "although sparse" and "despite being sparse" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "although sparse" and "although limited"?

"Although sparse" emphasizes a lack of quantity or density, whereas "although limited" suggests restrictions or constraints. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting scarcity or limitations.