are very scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very scant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an adjective to mean that there is very little or not enough of something. For example: "The resources available to us are very scant and insufficient for the task ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Even ionosonde data are very scant from geomagnetic latitudes beyond 70°.

Advances in Space Research

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, there are very scant data about the influence of this virus on the in vitro fertilization outcome.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Details are very scant with this one, but one picture suggests it will launch in Hong Kong under Vodafone.

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, data on therapeutic interventions following non-fatal suicidal behaviour in patients with TRD are very scant.

BMC Psychiatry

Despite 50 years of clinical use there are very scant data to date regarding the use of allopurinol in pregnancy.

BMC Gastroenterology

In summary, as indicated by Khan et al. 'data regarding the impact of these techniques on the detection of significant breast disease are very scant.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Research on class size impact in secondary grades is very scant across the United States.

Stanford University

The literature is very scant regarding outcomes, with most studies suffering from design flaws.

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease

But this is very scant consolation for all but the most hidebound Army brass.

The Guardian

The surface roughness of these tubes affects the performance of the entire system, but the finishing technology for these tubes is very scant in manufacturing fields.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Though these churches developed an extensive body of canon law throughout their histories, Western knowledge of their canon law has been very scant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very scant", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking. For example, "Data on this topic are very scant, requiring further research."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "are very scant" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are very few" or "are limited" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very scant" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a plural noun. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that the quantity or availability of something is extremely limited. It's used to convey scarcity or a lack of sufficient information or resources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are very scant" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression signifying that something exists in a limited or insufficient quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, its primary function is to describe a deficiency, commonly in contexts related to science, news, and academia. Alternatives like "are very few" or "are very limited" can be used for greater clarity or in less formal settings. While a common phrase, ensure the context supports its use and that it clearly indicates what is deficient to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are extremely limited

Emphasizes the severe restriction in quantity or scope.

are quite scarce

Highlights the rarity and limited availability.

are really deficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency.

are severely lacking

Points out a significant absence or shortage.

are exceptionally meager

Stresses the very small amount or poor quality.

are notably sparse

Indicates that the presence is infrequent and thinly distributed.

are unusually inadequate

Highlights the uncommon insufficiency.

are critically insufficient

Emphasizes the crucial lack of something.

are terribly reduced

Focuses on the significant decrease in amount.

are particularly skimpy

Draws attention to the notably small or insufficient amount.

FAQs

How to use "are very scant" in a sentence?

Use "are very scant" to describe something that is available in a very limited quantity or amount. For example, "Details about the project /s/are+very+scant, but more information will be released soon".

What can I say instead of "are very scant"?

You can use alternatives like "are very few", "are very limited", or "are quite scarce" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are very scant" or "is very scant"?

"Are very scant" is used with plural nouns, while "is very scant" is used with singular nouns or uncountable nouns. For example, "Details are very scant" versus "Information is very scant".

What's the difference between "are very scant" and "are insufficient"?

"Are very scant" emphasizes the limited quantity or availability, while "are insufficient" highlights that something is not enough to meet a particular need. While similar, the nuance lies in whether you're stressing scarcity or inadequacy.