have been sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been limited or insufficient over a period of time. Example: "The resources available for the project have been sparse, making it difficult to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thrills lately have been sparse.

The New York Times - Sports

But results have been sparse.

The New York Times - Science

The rains have been sparse and erratic, too.

The Economist

Official declarations from the Algerian authorities have been sparse.

The New York Times

The vendors and performers here say that the crowds have been sparse, and sales slow.

The New York Times - Sports

Policy announcements and costings around Indigenous affairs have been sparse during the campaign.

The Guardian

Clues have been sparse because the events occurred so long ago.

The New York Times - Science

From racial profiling to mass incarceration to affirmative action, his comments have been sparse and halting.

The New York Times

But the offerings have been sparse, and the eyemodule is one of the first such modules to appear.

The New York Times - Tech

In early times much of the historic county was heavily wooded, and prehistoric settlement seems to have been sparse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of the facts Venezuelans have been given about their president's condition have been sparse and contradictory.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been sparse" to clearly indicate that something is limited in quantity, frequency, or availability over a period of time. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "have been sparse" when referring to something that is simply missing or absent altogether. Sparsity implies some presence, albeit limited, rather than complete absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been sparse" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something has been limited or insufficient. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in contexts where data, resources, or occurrences are not abundant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been sparse" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily used to denote a limited quantity or availability of something over time. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, its application spans across news, science, and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it to be correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it is important to distinguish sparsity from complete absence, ensuring accurate communication. Alternatives like "have been few" or "have been scant" can provide nuanced variations of meaning. When using the phrase, make sure to check that the subject is plural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been few

Uses "few" to indicate a small number instead of "sparse".

have been scant

Replaces "sparse" with "scant", suggesting a barely sufficient amount.

have been scarce

Swaps "sparse" with "scarce", highlighting rarity and limited availability.

have been thin

Substitutes "sparse" with "thin", implying a lack of density or abundance.

have been meagre

Replaces "sparse" with "meagre", indicating a small or inadequate quantity.

have been slight

Replaces "sparse" with "slight", indicating a small degree or amount.

have been rare

Substitutes "sparse" with "rare", emphasizing infrequency of occurrence.

have been uncommon

Replaces "sparse" with "uncommon", indicating a lack of commonness or frequency.

have been weak

Uses "weak" to suggest a lack of strength or intensity, instead of quantity.

have been patchy

Uses "patchy" to suggest uneven distribution rather than overall scarcity.

FAQs

How can I use "have been sparse" in a sentence?

You can use "have been sparse" to describe situations where something is limited or insufficient over time. For example, "Data on the long-term effects "have been sparse", making it difficult to draw firm conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "have been sparse"?

Some alternatives include "have been few", "have been scant", or "have been scarce", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been sparse" instead of "have been sparse"?

No, "has been sparse" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a plural subject. Use "have been sparse" when referring to multiple items or data points; use "has been sparse" only for singular subjects.

What is the difference between "have been sparse" and "have been incomplete"?

"Have been sparse" suggests that some information or items exist but are limited in quantity or availability. "Have been incomplete" implies that the existing information or items are missing essential components or details.