it was sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is thinly dispersed, lacking in quantity, or minimal in detail. Example: "The vegetation in the desert was sparse, with only a few hardy plants surviving the harsh conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At first it was sparse and ropy, with no percussion.

The New York Times - Arts

It was sparse but architecturally truthful and emotionally charged.

The Guardian

When the team started, it was sparse, to say the least, says Florencia Coelho.

The Guardian

It was sparse and obsessively orderly, and inside his kitchen cupboards, tinned food was carefully arranged in precise rows, with each label pointing in exactly the same direction.

The Guardian

It was sparse yet impactful.

Huffington Post

But it was sparse and poetic ballads that earned Williams, who suffered back pain and was addicted to alcohol and drugs, the nickname "Hillbilly Shakespeare".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Recorded at home, it's sparse in its textures, earnest and confidential in its soul-searching.

The Guardian - Music

Literary analysis of it is sparse, considering the number of copies sold and its widespread use in education.

Wikipedia

It is sparse and rough and beautiful.

The Guardian - Music

It is sparse music: usually just a single melodic line accompanied by a drone or a beat.

The New York Times - Arts

It's sparse and regretful, just voice and acoustic guitar with swells of Neil Young-style harmonica for the first two verses, later filled out by cello and piano.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sparse" to create a sense of emptiness, simplicity, or deficiency in descriptions. Consider the context to ensure that the word choice accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "it was sparse" when describing complex or multifaceted situations. It is more appropriate for scenarios where simplicity or lack of detail is the key characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sparse" functions as a descriptive statement, where "it" refers to a previously mentioned subject, "was" is the past tense of the verb "to be", and "sparse" is an adjective describing the state of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was sparse" is a grammatically correct descriptive statement used to indicate a lack of density, quantity, or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively infrequent, its primary contexts are in news, media, science, and wiki sources. The phrase is considered to have a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Alternative phrases include "it was scant" or "it was rare". A key writing tip is to employ "it was sparse" when conveying a sense of emptiness or simplicity, being careful not to overuse it in complex, multifaceted descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was scant

Replaces "sparse" with "scant", emphasizing a deficiency or lack.

it was scarce

Replaces "sparse" with "scarce", indicating limited availability or supply.

it was rare

Substitutes "sparse" with "rare", highlighting the infrequency of something.

it was meagre

Replaces "sparse" with "meagre", emphasizing the insufficiency or inadequacy of something.

it was thin

Replaces "sparse" with "thin", indicating a lack of density or thickness.

it was uncommon

Substitutes "sparse" with "uncommon", emphasizing that something is not frequently encountered.

it was incomplete

Replaces "sparse" by "incomplete", focusing on the idea that something is not fully realized.

it was fragmentary

Replaces "sparse" with "fragmentary", focusing on the idea that something consists of broken or disconnected parts.

it was few

Replaces "sparse" with "few", directly indicating a small number of items or elements.

it was weak

Replaces "sparse" with "weak", suggesting a lack of strength or intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "it was sparse" to describe something that is thinly scattered or lacking in abundance. For example, "The crowd at the event "was sparse"" or "The vegetation "was sparse" due to the drought".

What can I say instead of "it was sparse"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was scant", "it was thin", or "it was scarce", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was sparse"?

It's suitable when describing a lack of density, quantity, or detail. Consider whether alternatives like "it was meager" or "it was rare" might be more precise depending on what you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between "it was sparse" and "it was incomplete"?

"It was sparse" suggests a lack of density or quantity, while "it was incomplete" indicates that something is unfinished or missing essential parts. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the absence of elements or the lack of completion.