it does scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does scant" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity in meaning. Example: "The report does scant justice to the complexity of the issue at hand."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The story is apparently inspired by real events (the older man was later commissioned and won the MC, the younger ended up as deputy mayor of Newcastle) to which it does scant justice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It did scant business when it opened at the tail end of last year — an odd season in which to release it, since smaller pictures tend to get drowned in the yuletide flood.

The New Yorker

The Afrikaans word may be translated as "a blow" but this does scant justice to its percussive power.

The Guardian

The complex of proteins involved in this information processing is known to neuroanatomists as the post-synaptic density, because the proteins stick together as a visible blob, but the name does scant justice to its critical function.

The New York Times - Science

But in the end the production, set in a hazily undefined Upstairs/Downstairs milieu, sidesteps much of the play's true lyricism and does scant justice to its Chekhovian tragi-comic aura.

The Guardian

Typically, the description "deep house" does scant justice to Mr Jones, which in its elusive, chirupping stop-start funk and Kraviz's lonesome, intimate vocals, is as bizarre and intricate as Matias Aguayo or Villalobos's idiosyncratic techno.

The Guardian - Music

This story does scant justice to the efforts Mr Obama made on the economy, but you can see why it has stuck.

The Economist

But the stage version does scant justice to the book's panoramic portrait of late-1980s London with its pubs, clubs and ecstasy-filled raves.

The Guardian

But that bald summary does scant justice to a play that touches, lightly and elegantly, on a wide variety of themes.

The Guardian

To dwell on the shaky manner in which France clinched a third Grand Slam in nine years does scant justice, for example, to their stirring deeds en route.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a streak of laissez-faire in the choice of policies that does scant justice to the idea that societies can – and should – shape their own evolution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "it barely covers" or "it hardly addresses" to convey the intended meaning more effectively. Although the query has examples, it should not be considered standard English.

Common error

Avoid using "it does scant" in formal writing. While it may appear in some contexts, it's generally better to opt for more conventional and universally accepted phrasing to ensure your message is clearly understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase's primary grammatical function is to act as a verb phrase indicating a deficiency or inadequacy in the action performed. It suggests that something is treated superficially or without sufficient attention. While Ludwig includes examples, it marks the phrase as potentially incorrect in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does scant" indicates that something is treated inadequately or superficially. While Ludwig provides examples of its use, it also notes that the phrase is not considered correct in standard written English. Grammatically, it acts as a verb phrase expressing criticism. Although it may appear in neutral to slightly formal contexts, especially in news and media, it's advisable to use alternative phrases such as "it barely covers" or "it hardly addresses" for improved clarity and adherence to standard English conventions. Be cautious when considering it, as other options may be better to convey meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it barely covers

This alternative focuses on the minimal coverage provided, emphasizing the lack of detail or attention.

it hardly addresses

This phrase highlights the limited attention given to a particular topic or issue.

it inadequately deals with

This alternative emphasizes the insufficient manner in which something is handled.

it gives short shrift to

This idiom implies that something is treated dismissively or without due consideration.

it offers minimal attention to

This alternative emphasizes the limited focus or consideration given.

it provides little justice to

This conveys that something is not properly represented, like in a story or a description.

it scarcely touches upon

This suggests a superficial treatment of a subject, only briefly mentioning it.

it skims the surface of

This implies a lack of depth in exploring a topic or issue.

it glosses over

This suggests that something is intentionally overlooked or quickly passed over.

it neglects to fully explore

This highlights the failure to thoroughly investigate or examine something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it does scant justice"?

Consider alternatives like "it barely covers", "it hardly addresses", or "it provides minimal attention to". Each of these options, like "it barely covers", offers a clearer and more widely accepted way to convey the intended meaning.

Is "it does scant" grammatically correct?

While examples exist, Ludwig AI suggests that "it does scant" is not correct in standard written English. Opting for more common phrases ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion.

What is a more formal way to say "it does scant"?

For formal contexts, use phrases such as "it inadequately addresses" or "it offers insufficient coverage". These alternatives, like "it inadequately addresses", provide a more polished and professional tone.

When might "it does scant" be appropriate?

While generally discouraged, "it does scant" might be used in informal writing or speech where a slightly archaic or unusual tone is desired. However, be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.