it was scarcely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was scarcely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happened to a very small degree or that it was hardly the case. Example: "It was scarcely a surprise when she won the award, given her outstanding performance throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Between these two regions, Terai (Nepal) is a pivotal passageway allowing, in different times, multiple population interactions, although because of its highly malarial environment, it was scarcely inhabited until a few decades ago, when malaria was eradicated.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We may not like the idea of Hitler's New Order, but it was scarcely misguided on its own terms.

The New York Times - Books

It was scarcely an existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it was scarcely a tale to be ashamed of.

The Economist

Given his background, it was scarcely surprising that Cadman should focus on such issues.

Independent

His brand of Mormonism might at times have been extra-planetary, but it was scarcely otherworldly.

The New Yorker

It was scarcely walking to school uphill in the snow both ways, but it was different.

The New York Times

It was scarcely the stuff of which great human dramas are made.

The Guardian

If I couldn't be public about it, it was scarcely reasonable to hope that others would".

The New York Times - Books

"He said it was scarcely suitable for a gentleman let alone ladies".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Slowly, Ganden is being rebuilt, but today it is scarcely a reminder of its former self.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was scarcely" to introduce an idea that contrasts with what might be expected or assumed. It adds a subtle layer of qualification and understatement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "scarcely" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "hardly" or "barely" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was scarcely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, expressing a minimal degree or frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was scarcely" is a versatile expression used to convey that something almost didn't occur or barely exists. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous real-world examples confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, primarily in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While slightly formal, it effectively adds a layer of understatement or qualification to statements. Consider using alternative phrases like "it was hardly" or "it was barely" in more informal settings. When employing "it was scarcely", remember to maintain consistency with the context and audience, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was hardly

Replaces "scarcely" with "hardly", conveying a similar sense of something being only just true or the case.

it was barely

Substitutes "scarcely" with "barely", indicating a minimal or marginal existence or occurrence.

it was just barely

Adds "just" to emphasize the minimal nature of something, making it slightly more emphatic than "it was scarcely".

it was only just

Uses "only just" to convey the idea that something happened by a narrow margin or was only barely true.

it was almost not

Expresses the idea that something nearly did not happen or exist, similar to "it was scarcely".

it was minimally

Replaces the phrase with an adverb emphasizing a minimal degree.

it was faintly

Indicates something present but with very little intensity or degree.

it was remotely

Highlights the lack of a strong connection or likelihood.

it was technically

Emphasizes a superficial correctness, suggesting the reality is different.

it was nominally

Suggests something is true in name only, but not in practice.

FAQs

How can I use "it was scarcely" in a sentence?

Use "it was scarcely" to indicate that something was only just the case or barely happened. For example, "It was scarcely a surprise when he resigned after the scandal."

What phrases can I use instead of "it was scarcely"?

Alternatives include "it was hardly", "it was barely", or "it was just", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was scarcely" more formal than "it was hardly"?

Yes, "it was scarcely" tends to be slightly more formal than "it was hardly". The choice depends on the tone and register of your writing or speech.

What is the difference between "it was scarcely" and "it was rarely"?

"It was scarcely" implies something almost didn't happen or barely existed, focusing on degree or extent. "It was rarely" indicates infrequency, focusing on how often something occurred. For example: "It was scarcely enough to eat" (barely sufficient amount) vs "It was rarely eaten" (infrequent consumption).