has been scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been scant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been limited, insufficient, or lacking over a period of time. Example: "The funding for the project has been scant, making it difficult to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far there has been scant evidence.

The Economist

Rigorous research has been scant.

The New York Times

Rainfall has been scant this year.

The New York Times

And the evidence has been scant at best.

The New York Times

Generally not, because there has been scant discussion.

The New York Times

So far, evidence has been scant at best.

The New York Times

Academic research on the issue since then has been scant.

The Guardian

However, there has been scant investment in the seafront.

The Guardian

There has been scant evidence of either claim.

The Guardian

There has been scant mention of rape afterward.

The New York Times

Despite calls for increasing gender diversity on public company boards, progress has been scant.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been scant" to clearly convey that there is a noticeable lack or insufficiency of something, emphasizing the limited availability or attention given to a particular subject.

Common error

While "has been scant" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "there wasn't much" or "there was little" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been scant" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deficiency or lack of something. It is commonly used to describe situations where evidence, attention, or resources are limited. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been scant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack or insufficiency. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating its suitability for professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While alternatives like "has been limited" or "has been minimal" exist, "has been scant" maintains its unique emphasis on the deficiency of something. When writing, remember to use it in situations where you want to highlight a noticeable lack or shortage. While adaptable, reserve this expression for formal or neutral registers, as a different word choice would better suit less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been limited

Indicates a restriction in quantity or extent, suggesting something is not as much as desired or needed.

has been minimal

Suggests the quantity or degree is at the lowest possible level.

has been sparse

Implies that something is thinly distributed or not densely available.

has been inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency of something to meet a particular need or requirement.

has been rare

Highlights the infrequency of occurrence or availability.

has been deficient

Emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

has been insufficient

Similar to "inadequate", stressing that something is not enough.

has been meager

Suggests a small or inadequate amount, often with a negative connotation.

has been negligible

Indicates something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

has been trifling

Highlights the insignificance or lack of importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "has been scant" in a sentence?

You can use "has been scant" to indicate that something is limited or insufficient. For example, "Evidence for the claim "has been scant"."

What are some alternatives to "has been scant"?

Alternatives include "has been limited", "has been minimal", or "has been sparse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "has been scant"?

Yes, "has been scant" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal writing to describe a situation where something is lacking or insufficient.

What is the difference between "has been scant" and "has been limited"?

"Has been scant" implies a deficiency or lack, while "has been limited" suggests a restriction or constraint on something. Both indicate a reduced quantity or availability, but "limited" emphasizes the act of restricting.