as sparse as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sparse as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the thinness or lack of density of something to another object or concept that is also sparse. Example: "The vegetation in the desert was as sparse as the clouds in the clear blue sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I like to have things as sparse as possible," she told me.

The New Yorker

The campaign was as sparse as it was relentless, throwing up a din of indecipherable teasers and unlockable Twitter trailers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So Mr Birrell is deluded if he thinks his faster journey is one of the fruits of privatisation, which are as sparse as cherries in January.

The Guardian

The building is on the edge of one of Dublin's grandest Georgian squares, but its large boardroom is as sparse as a prison cell.

The Guardian

Dealers and collectors — constituencies of the limousined fairs that dominate the art world in this decade as biennials did in the nineties — were as sparse as objects that seemed plausibly salable.

The New Yorker

He later recalled the encounter: "The first time I met her, referring to some movie, a comedy, she said: 'The laughs are as sparse as pubic hair on an old lady's cunt.' I was shocked.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Colin Richmond's set is as sparse and charged as the acting and the dialogue.

The Guardian

Bump (about suburban drug culture) is her minimalist apotheosis, as sparse and terse as Ariana Grande in hell remixed by 1986 Mantronix.

The Guardian - Music

The music can be as sparse and vociferous as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with Ms. O sending out put-downs and come-ons with a sharp giggle over short, splintered lines for guitar and drums.

The New York Times - Arts

She calls it the final part of a trilogy – or "thrillogy", as she pronounces it in dainty, accented English, her voice layered with the rolling Rs of the Swedish language – and describes an album that is as sparse and spacious as the empty studio she sits in.

The Guardian - Music

Its evocation of the outback, while as sparse and dry as the land itself, is also deft, juxtaposing the Anglo name of Kintore East with the Indigenous one of Yuendumu – and knowing that both will sound, to most of Midnight Oil's fellow coast-hugging Australians, at once cosily familiar and utterly alien.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as sparse as", ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. The item being compared to should be something generally understood to be sparse.

Common error

Avoid comparing something to an object that is not commonly associated with sparseness. For example, saying "as sparse as a forest" would be illogical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sparse as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree to which something lacks density, fullness, or frequency, by comparing it to something else known for its sparseness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Arts

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sparse as" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized comparative phrase. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, indicating it is fit for use in diverse writing styles. It serves to emphasize the scarcity or lack of density of something through comparison. Predominantly, you'll find it in "News & Media" and scientific articles. When employing the phrase, ensure your comparison is relevant and logical. Consider alternatives like "as infrequent as" or "as scarce as" for subtly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as infrequent as

Focuses on the rarity or infrequency of something, emphasizing the time element.

as scarce as

Emphasizes the limited availability or supply of something.

as scattered as

Highlights the dispersed and uneven distribution of elements.

as uncommon as

Indicates a lack of commonness or prevalence.

as meager as

Refers to a small quantity or amount, often implying inadequacy.

as rare as

Highlights the exceptional infrequency of something.

as thin as

Focuses on the lack of density or thickness.

as slight as

Emphasizes the minimal degree or extent of something.

as fragmentary as

Highlights the incomplete or disjointed nature of something.

as patchy as

Suggests an uneven distribution, with areas of presence and absence.

FAQs

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

Use "as sparse as" to compare the thinness or lack of density of something to another object or concept that is also sparse. For example, "The details provided were "as sparse as" grains of sand on a beach".

What phrases are similar to "as sparse as"?

Similar phrases include "as infrequent as", "as scarce as", or "as uncommon as" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as sparse as"?

Yes, "as sparse as" is grammatically correct and follows the standard "as + adjective + as" comparative structure.

Which is better, "as sparse as possible" or "as sparse as it can be"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "As sparse as possible" is generally more concise and preferred in formal writing, while "as sparse as it can be" is slightly more informal but equally acceptable.