it lacks detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lacks detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is insufficiently detailed or lacks specific information. Example: "The report is informative, but it lacks detail in the analysis section."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yesterday's report from the Nassau Interim Finance Authority contained the panel's first public comment on a plan submitted by the county executive, Thomas S. Gulotta, and criticized by county lawmakers who say that it lacks detail and that its numbers do not add up.

The New York Times

For more details on how BO would work, Defra's Green Paper is easy to follow, although, as an initial policy proposal, it lacks detail.

The Guardian

The result is an architectural plagiarism that's eclectic and imprecise, a hodgepodge of form and decoration that typically remains at the level of mere gesture: it lacks detail and seems to be saying, "Here is a symbol of a cornice" or "This is meant to indicate the setback style".

The New York Times

Mr Darling has set out a plan to achieve this, but it lacks detail and will not be completed until 2017-18, well after the next parliament must end.The IFS says that an early start to cutting the deficit would be a mistake because the economy is so weak.

The Economist

Franken is critical of Uber's response to the concerns he raised around privacy — specifically complaining that it lacks detail and that the company's three page letter avoids answering some of his questions.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It lacks details, for example, of important contracts between Google and its partners, like the America Online division of Time Warner.

The New York Times

The reason it's lame, says Gruber, is that it lacks details.

TechCrunch

Although it lacks details, it is a major improvement over piecemeal, outdated statements that officials had been using to guide the country since it shifted from a state-run to a market-based economy in the early 1990s.

Science Magazine

Although STROBE is available as a guideline for reporting in observational studies it lacks details that are important for TKA and THA such as details on type of implant and surgical technique.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Brook Park Council had unanimously opposed the deal, saying it lacked detail, and backed citizen groups fighting the ballot issue.

The New York Times

Mr. Rajoy presented a 100-point reform program heavily focused on job creation and the economy, but it lacked detail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lacks detail", ensure that you specify what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The report lacks detail regarding financial projections."

Common error

Avoid using "it lacks detail" without providing specific examples of what is missing. Simply stating that something lacks detail is less helpful than identifying the areas where more information is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lacks detail" functions as a descriptor, indicating that a particular subject or item is deficient in specific or thorough information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Science & Research

13%

Less common in

HuffPost

4%

Forbes

2%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lacks detail" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for pointing out the insufficiency of information. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media", scientific, and research contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and what specific details are missing. Consider professional alternatives like "it's insufficiently detailed" for formal settings. Avoiding overgeneralization and providing specific examples of missing information will strengthen your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's insufficiently detailed

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the detail provided.

it's not elaborate enough

Highlights the absence of complexity and thoroughness.

it needs more fleshing out

Suggests the necessity of adding more substance and supporting information.

it is too high-level

Indicates that the information is overly general and missing granular specifics.

it's short on specifics

Focuses on the absence of precise and concrete information.

it is sketchy

Implies incompleteness and a lack of thoroughness.

it is superficial

Highlights the lack of depth and substance.

it's a broad outline

Suggests a general overview without sufficient elaboration.

it's vague and imprecise

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and accuracy in the information provided.

it's somewhat thin

Implies a lack of substance or depth in the details.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it lacks detail" to sound more professional?

Consider using phrases like "it is insufficiently detailed", "it requires further elaboration", or "it would benefit from a more granular explanation". These alternatives offer a more formal tone.

What does it mean when something is described as "lacking detail"?

It means that the subject in question does not provide enough specific or thorough information. It's often seen as a critique suggesting more elaboration is needed.

What can I say instead of "it lacks detail" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use alternatives such as "it's insufficiently detailed", "it requires further elaboration", or "it would benefit from a more granular explanation".

Is "lacks detail" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "lacks detail" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to express that something does not have enough specific information.