little there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little there" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal expression to mean “not much” or “not much to report or say”. Example sentence: "I asked my friend how her job search was going, but there was little there to report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is little there that's defensible.

The Economist

Conversation -- what little there was of it -- was taut.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a little here and a little there".

The New York Times

"I'm saving a little here and a little there".

The New York Times

He let his captain down a little there, Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

"But once the dust settled, people started to sell a little here and a little there".

The New York Times

"There's no use in having a little bit here and a little there," Ms. Wenger said.

The New York Times - Arts

There's very little there to inspire, very little in the way of style or humor.

The New Yorker

"We are not arguing for a little here and a little there," she said.

The New York Times

"The press coverage, what little there was of it, was uniformly terrible," he once told me.

The Guardian - Arts

He injects a little here, a little there; it's just a touchup, a filler-up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little there" to subtly indicate a deficiency or lack of something without being overly critical. It's especially effective in contexts where understatement is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "little there" in formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language is expected. Opt for terms like "limited quantity", "scarcity", or "insufficiency" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little there" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying an implied noun related to quantity or substance. It indicates a scarcity or lack of something in a particular context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to express that not much exists or is present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little there" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a scarcity or lack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered correct in written English and appears frequently in news, media, and general conversation. While its informal nature may make it unsuitable for highly formal or academic contexts, its versatility and widespread use make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Consider using alternatives such as ""not much there"" or ""scarcely anything there"" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not much there

Replaces "little" with "not much" for a similar meaning.

a small amount there

Rephrases "little" as "a small amount" for a more literal description.

not a lot there

Informal way of expressing that there is a small amount.

almost nothing there

Emphasizes the near absence of something in a specific location.

scarcely anything there

Emphasizes the lack of quantity or presence using stronger words.

hardly anything there

Similar to "scarcely anything", highlighting the minimal existence.

barely anything there

Highlights the marginal presence or existence of something.

a shortage there

Indicates an insufficient quantity or amount present.

a paucity there

Uses the word "paucity" to denote a scarcity or lack of something.

a dearth there

Similar to "paucity", suggesting a lack or scarcity.

FAQs

What does "little there" mean?

The phrase "little there" generally means that there isn't much of something in a particular place or situation; it signifies a small amount or degree.

How can I use "little there" in a sentence?

You can use "little there" to express a scarcity or lack of something. For example, "There's "little there" to suggest any immediate changes are coming."

What can I say instead of "little there"?

You can use alternatives like "not much there", "scarcely anything there", or "hardly anything there" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "little there"?

It's appropriate to use "little there" in informal conversations or writings where you want to convey a sense of scarcity or insignificance in a subtle or understated way. Avoid it in highly formal or technical contexts.