may provide scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may provide scant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limited or insufficient nature of something, often in a context where expectations are not met. Example: "The research findings may provide scant evidence to support the initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet the underlying trend may provide scant comfort for investors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Often in arguments like this the premises aren't true, but even if they are generally true they may provide only scant support for their conclusions because that something is widely practised or believed is not compelling evidence that it is true or that it should be done.

SEP

Robert Leiter may have reviewed my book, "Buried by The Times: The Holocaust and America's Most Important Newspaper" (May 15), but his comments provide scant evidence that he actually understood it.

The New York Times

Alan and Lilly announce their engagement, Jay continues to hide his sexuality and Orla's mothering instincts seemingly provide scant emotional rewards.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Results from this study provide scant evidence of a post-panic refractory period.

Journal of Anxiety Disorders

It also bites during the day, which means mosquito nets provide scant protection.

Vice

Intrade may provide answers.

The New York Times

Ms Bensouda may provide both.

The Economist

Harry Potter may provide another.

The New York Times - Books

This may provide comfort.

The Guardian

But caregiving itself may provide real benefits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may provide scant" when you want to convey that something offers a minimal or inadequate amount of something else. Be mindful of the context to ensure the understatement is appropriate and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "may provide scant" when the context requires a stronger statement of absence or complete lack. If something offers virtually nothing, a more direct expression like "provides no" or "offers nothing" may be more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may provide scant" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility that something will offer a limited or insufficient amount of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English for discussing limitations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may provide scant" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the possibility that something will offer only a limited or insufficient amount. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

This phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to temper expectations or offer a cautious assessment. While "may provide scant" is not overly formal, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings. For alternatives, consider phrases like "might offer little" or "could yield minimal" to convey a similar sense of limited provision. Overall, understanding the nuance of "may provide scant" allows for more precise communication about potential limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might offer little

Indicates a slight degree of uncertainty and a small amount of provision.

could yield minimal

Suggests a possibility with a very small result.

might give limited

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the provision.

may offer limited

Indicates a degree of uncertainty and restriction in what is offered.

might furnish inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of what is provided.

could supply meager

Focuses on the poor quantity of the supply.

may lend insufficient

Suggests that the contribution is not enough.

might present deficient

Highlights the lack or deficiency in what is presented.

could afford paltry

Emphasizes the insignificance of what is afforded.

may extend restricted

Indicates that the extension or provision is limited in scope.

FAQs

How to use "may provide scant" in a sentence?

The phrase "may provide scant" suggests that something offers very little of something else. For example: "The initial data "may provide scant" evidence, but further research could yield more substantial results."

What can I say instead of "may provide scant"?

Alternatives include "might offer little", "could yield minimal", or "may offer limited", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "may provide scant" or "provides scant"?

"May provide scant" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "provides scant" states a fact. Choose the option that aligns with the level of certainty in your statement. If there's a chance it might not even provide a small amount, "may provide scant" is more appropriate.

What is the difference between "may provide scant" and "may provide abundant"?

"May provide scant" means there's a possibility of offering very little, whereas "may provide abundant" suggests the possibility of offering a great deal. They are antonyms indicating opposite ends of a spectrum of provision.