not much detail

USAGE SUMMARY

"not much detail" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that has limited information or is missing specifics. For example, "The news article didn't provide not much detail about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But there is little time for introspection, and not much detail.

The Economist

It's like some Edvard Munch painting, all painterly emotion and not much detail.

The Guardian - Sport

Not much detail on management's next steps, though a focus on emerging market/China growth as expected, and on increasing (and better targeted) research and development, funded by efficiency gains and stronger execution.

The Guardian - Business

As yet, there is not much detail on how that will affect public services.

BBC

Not much detail on how well it works just yet, but it does indeed look great.

TechCrunch

Not much detail here, but some creative soul squeezed a Fender amp into an old cigar box.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The main challenge is to quantify the resilience in early design phases, since there is not much detailed information about system components available at this point.

Applied Energy

Not much details yet but more to come, we promise!", Stone tweeted Tuesday.

HuffPost

Inflammation of the human CF intestine has been reported [4] [6] but, because such studies use indirect measures or require invasive methods, there is not much detailed information.

Plosone

Not much detailed information on oxytocin degradation in therapeutic formulations is available in literature.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

There isn't much detail about politics in Norway, or about the life of the shooter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not much detail", clarify what specific details are missing to provide a clearer understanding of the information gap.

Common error

Avoid using "not much detail" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to describe the lack of information, such as "lacking in specifics" or "devoid of elaboration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not much detail" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to indicate a lack of specific information or elaboration. This is validated by Ludwig, confirming its validity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase typically qualifies a subject lacking comprehensive information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

31%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not much detail" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something lacks specific or elaborate information. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's broadly used across various contexts, especially in news and media, although less common in highly formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you clarify what specific details are missing to enhance clarity. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "lacking in specifics" or "devoid of elaboration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in specifics

Emphasizes the absence of precise information.

short on particulars

Highlights a deficiency in individual details.

vague on the finer points

Indicates a lack of clarity regarding specific elements.

light on specifics

Similar to "short on particulars", but slightly more informal.

general in nature

Focuses on the overall lack of detailed information.

sketchy on the facts

Suggests a lack of completeness or reliability in the details.

devoid of elaboration

Highlights the absence of further explanation or development.

lacking depth

Focuses on the shallowness of the information provided.

not very informative

Directly states the lack of useful or specific information.

superficial in its coverage

Suggests that the information only skims the surface without going deeper.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not much detail" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "lacking in specifics", "devoid of elaboration", or "superficial in its coverage" to achieve a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "not much detail" and "not enough detail"?

"Not much detail" indicates a general lack of specifics, while "not enough detail" implies that the existing details are insufficient for a particular purpose or need. For instance, the report had "not much detail", versus there's "not enough detail" to make a decision.

When is it appropriate to use "not much detail" in writing?

The phrase is suitable for general communication across various contexts, including news articles, blogs, and informal reports. However, avoid using it in formal academic papers or professional reports where more precise language is preferred.

What are some common synonyms for "not much detail"?

Common synonyms include "lacking depth", "short on particulars", "general in nature", and "vague on the finer points". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.