is spare with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is spare with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not generous or is limited in providing something, such as information or resources. Example: "She is spare with her compliments, only offering them when she truly means it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Callahan, it turns out, is spare with words because they are the same as time.

The New Yorker

The décor is spare with overhanging industrial light fixtures being the prominent design feature.

The New York Times

His 1920's apartment on upper Fifth Avenue is spare, with simple modern furniture and Greek sculpture.

The New York Times

The double storefront is spare, with pale pink stucco walls punctuated with mirrors, bamboo and decorative Asian plaques.

The New York Times

And the installation is as dense and busy as the one for the tea show is spare, with everything in it, apart from two sculptures, belonging to Yale.

The New York Times - Arts

The film is spare with an almost Beckett-like sense of the absurd, making for a gently melancholy humor.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

No expense is spared with the production - not one but two superstar producers are responsible, namely Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "LA" Reid.

The Guardian - Music

The room she led me to was spare, with a kind of maroon-gray-olive palette, hotel-conference-room colors.

The New York Times - Magazine

The room was spare, with only a bed and a wooden chair and a little altar with candles set up in one corner.

The New Yorker

She was spare with her biographical details, telling Ms. Danaczko only that she lived in Washington, had four children and used to be a newspaper reporter (all true).

The New York Times - Books

The resulting apartments are spare, with the original concrete floors and wooden ceilings, but they have dramatically curved walls that sweep up to second-floor bedrooms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is spare with" when you want to convey that someone is intentionally limited in their provision of something, whether it's information, praise, or resources.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is spare with" can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "is economical with" or "is restrained with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is spare with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a deliberate limitation or lack of generosity in providing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is spare with" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a limited or ungenerous provision of something. While Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, it's more common in news and media contexts and has neutral register. For more formal writing, alternatives like "is restrained with" or "is economical with" might be preferable. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of limited generosity or resourcefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ungenerous with

Directly indicates a lack of willingness to share or give freely.

is frugal with

Focuses on economical use, implying resourcefulness rather than simple lack of generosity.

is stinting with

Emphasizes a limitation or restriction on the amount provided.

is economical with

Highlights efficiency and avoidance of waste in resource allocation.

is conservative with

Implies careful management and preservation of a resource or asset.

is restrained with

Suggests a deliberate holding back, often for strategic or aesthetic reasons.

is tight-fisted with

Suggests a strong unwillingness to spend money or resources.

is cautious with

Signifies carefulness and prudence in the management of resources.

is mingy with

An informal term suggesting extreme stinginess or reluctance to give.

is chary of

Implies a cautious reluctance due to potential risk or negative consequences.

FAQs

What does "is spare with" mean?

The phrase "is spare with" means to be ungenerous or economical in the use of something, such as words, money, or resources. It suggests a deliberate restraint or limitation in giving or providing.

When is it appropriate to use "is spare with"?

It's appropriate to use "is spare with" when describing someone who doesn't freely give or share something. For example, "She "is frugal with" her compliments" indicates she doesn't offer them often.

Are there synonyms for "is spare with"?

Yes, synonyms include "is stingy with", "is frugal with", "is economical with", or "is ungenerous with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is spare with" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "is spare with" can be considered somewhat informal. In more formal contexts, consider using more professional alternatives like "is restrained with" or "is conservative with".