data are sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'data are sparse' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when talking about a situation where there is not much information or evidence available. For example: "We have looked into this issue, but unfortunately the data are sparse, so it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In matters climatological, data are sparse.

The Economist

"The data are sparse," they wrote to the FDA.

The Washington Post

The data are sparse and incomplete, but they all tell the same story.

The New York Times

Data are sparse, especially from remote regions such as rugged mountains.

Nature

Ionospheric data are sparse in time and in space in opposite to the magnetic data.

Advances in Space Research

We expect ethnicity, traditions, socioeconomics and lifestyles to have an impact, but overall data are sparse.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology

Where existing data are sparse, synthetically generated time series offer a practical alternative.

Coastal Engineering

This poses a challenge in applications where the measurement data are sparse, such as site characterization.

Engineering Geology

But data are sparse and a comprehensive study of the horses' impact is not expected before next year.

The New York Times - Science

Although the data are sparse and the jury is still out, sponsorship may be one approach to the problem.

The New York Times

Alternatively, their evolution and that of the piezoelectric constants are described rather intuitively, while systematic experimental data are sparse.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "data are sparse", clearly indicate what specific area or aspect lacks sufficient information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating "data are sparse" without specifying the context. For instance, instead of saying "Data are sparse in this field", specify "Data on long-term effects are sparse, but short-term results are well-documented".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data are sparse" functions as a statement indicating that the amount of available data is limited or insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "data are sparse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of sufficient information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While alternatives like "data are scarce" and "data are limited" exist, "data are sparse" effectively conveys the message of information scarcity. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the context in which data is lacking to avoid ambiguity. With its widespread acceptance and clear meaning, "data are sparse" remains a valuable tool for writers and researchers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data are scarce

Replaces "sparse" with "scarce", indicating a limited availability of data.

data are limited

Uses "limited" instead of "sparse", suggesting that the data's extent is restricted.

data are scant

Substitutes "sparse" with "scant", emphasizing the inadequacy of the data.

data are deficient

Replaces "sparse" with "deficient", highlighting that the data is incomplete or insufficient.

data are incomplete

Uses "incomplete" instead of "sparse", focusing on the unfinished nature of the data.

data are fragmented

Substitutes "sparse" with "fragmented", suggesting the data is broken into disconnected pieces.

data are patchy

Replaces "sparse" with "patchy", indicating that the data is unevenly distributed or available only in certain areas.

data are thin

Uses "thin" instead of "sparse", implying that the data lacks substance or depth.

information is lacking

Shifts the focus to "information" and uses "lacking" to convey the absence of sufficient data.

evidence is limited

Replaces "data" with "evidence" and uses "limited" to express the restricted availability of proof.

FAQs

How can I use "data are sparse" in a sentence?

You can use "data are sparse" to indicate a lack of sufficient information. For example, "Although many studies have explored this phenomenon, "data are sparse" regarding its long-term effects".

What's the difference between "data are sparse" and "data are scarce"?

"Data are sparse" and "data are scarce" are very similar. Both indicate a limited amount of data, but "scarce" may imply a more extreme shortage.

What are some alternatives to saying "data are sparse"?

Alternatives include "data are limited", "data are scant", or "information is lacking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "data is sparse"?

While "data" is technically the plural of "datum", it is increasingly common to treat "data" as a singular noun, especially in informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it's generally preferred to use "data are sparse".