far too sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is insufficiently populated, lacking in quantity, or not dense enough, often in contexts like writing, design, or data. Example: "The report was far too sparse in details, making it difficult to understand the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It covered a head whose blond hair was sparse, far too sparse, the result of chemotherapy that Danielle has been getting for a kidney cancer that affects children.

The New York Times

Dr. Famiglietti was able to calculate the overall drawdown of groundwater and to indicate that the problem was most severe in the southern region around the city of Tulare, for example, but the data was far too sparse to make statements about, say, the Kings River Water Conservation District, which measures about 1,875 square miles.

The New York Times - Science

Chomsky argues that the experiences available to language learners are far too sparse to account for their knowledge of their language.

SEP

It is almost obvious in these applications that 20+ stations are far too sparse to sample the highly-variable irradiance spatio-temporal random fields in the US and/or Greece.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

The observed aerial densities were far too sparse for the insects to have maintained the alignments by visual reference to one another [5], and so the orientation patterns must have been due to individual responses to some environmental cue or cues.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Critics of systematic reviews have argued that these studies often fail to inform clinical decision making because their results are far too general, that the data are sparse, such that findings cannot be applied to individual patients or for other decision making.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

On the other hand, homologues of many CT antigens have not been found outside the primate lineage so far, and the available genome data are still too sparse to track the appearance of CT gene families during mammalian evolution.

BMC Genomics

Far, far, too cheap.

The Economist

But his evidence was still too sparse.

The Economist

His evidence was faulty and too sparse, some said.

The New York Times - Arts

Too little, far too late.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too sparse" to describe data, ensure that you specify what kind of data you are referring to (e.g., data points, survey responses) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "far too sparse" without specifying the context. For instance, instead of saying "The information was far too sparse", clarify what information you're referring to: "The data on long-term effects was far too sparse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too sparse" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, expressing a deficiency in quantity or detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something lacking density or fullness. The examples show its use in describing sparse hair, data, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far too sparse" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something lacking sufficient quantity or detail. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity. While the phrase appears in both scientific and news media contexts, it remains relatively rare. To ensure clarity, specify the context when using this phrase, and be mindful of overgeneralization. Alternatives like "excessively thin" or "too meager" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively thin

Focuses specifically on the lack of physical thickness or density.

too meager

Emphasizes the lack of quantity or richness.

highly insufficient

Highlights the inadequacy or lack of what is needed.

grossly inadequate

Emphasizes a severe lack of quality or quantity.

remarkably scant

Draws attention to the limited or insufficient amount.

noticeably deficient

Highlights the obvious lack or shortage.

seriously wanting

Focuses on the severe lack or absence.

particularly limited

Emphasizes restriction in amount or extent.

decidedly scarce

Highlights the rarity or infrequency.

distinctly exiguous

Emphasizes the smallness or meagerness in formal context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "far too sparse" in a sentence?

Use "far too sparse" to express that something lacks sufficient detail or quantity. For example, "The evidence presented was "far too sparse" to draw a definitive conclusion".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "far too sparse"?

Alternatives include "excessively thin", "too meager", or "highly insufficient", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "far too sparse"?

The phrase is appropriate in contexts where you need to convey that something lacks sufficient quantity or detail, such as in scientific research, data analysis, or descriptive writing. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Is "far too sparse" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "far too sparse" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose the most appropriate wording for your specific purpose.