patchy details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or descriptions that are incomplete, inconsistent, or lacking in thoroughness. Example: "The report provided patchy details about the project's progress, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The authorities continue to urge the public not to jump to conclusions about any crew members based on the patchy details that emerge regarding the moments before the Boeing 777 disappeared.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beyond that, the details are patchy.

The Economist

Although the details are patchy (and we are only hearing one side of the story), it has prompted an interesting debate: how much should you spend on a wedding gift?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The evidence of how Nijinsky responded to Stravinsky's details is both patchy and contradictory, and Ms. Hodson is not a choreographer.

The New York Times - Arts

Detailed knowledge on Antarctic permafrost is patchy, especially at the continent.

CATENA

In fact, while strong in places, the second section of the book tends to be patchy, both in the coverage and level of detail in the topics chosen.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They were often hesitant or had difficulties in recounting the memories and provided only partial and patchy recollections when it came to some especially tough details.

Global Health Action

Likewise, the particulate polymeric species depicted as adsorbates in cases c or d may be perceived as anisotropic non-centrosymmetric nanoparticles and, in greater detail, as Janus particles (case c) or patchy particles (case d) [11].

Applied Adhesion Science

As Mr Chavez's absence drags on and details about the exact state of his health are patchy at best, the opposition want him to be declared "temporarily absent" from power.

BBC

On the other hand, when target landscape is patchy, adequate tumbling may help to explore better local scale heterogeneities, being some details of the shape of the distribution also potentially adaptive.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

However, archaeological investigation of the Asiatic steppe is still limited and patchy; literary records of any kind are late and scanty and seldom mention details of bows.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patchy details", clarify what aspects are unclear or incomplete to provide context. For example, specify which areas of a report or investigation lack sufficient information.

Common error

Avoid using "patchy details" without specifying what the details pertain to. Saying "the details are patchy" is vague; instead, state "the details regarding the suspect's alibi are patchy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy details" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "patchy" modifies the noun "details". It indicates that the details are uneven, incomplete, or inconsistent. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patchy details" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe information that is incomplete, inconsistent, or unreliable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify which specific details are lacking or unclear. Alternatives like "incomplete information" or "scattered details" can be used depending on the precise nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete information

Focuses on the lack of completeness rather than the uneven nature of the details.

fragmentary information

Emphasizes the broken or disconnected nature of the information.

scattered details

Highlights the dispersed and unorganized nature of the details.

spotty information

Uses a more informal term to describe uneven or inconsistent information.

sketchy information

Suggests a lack of reliability or thoroughness in the information.

uneven details

Directly describes the inconsistencies in the details provided.

haphazard details

Highlights the random and disorganized nature of the details.

disconnected details

Emphasizes the lack of connection or coherence between the details.

inconsistent details

Focuses on the contradictions and discrepancies within the details.

gaps in the information

Highlights that some information is missing rather than the quality of present information.

FAQs

How can I use "patchy details" in a sentence?

You can use "patchy details" to describe information that is incomplete, inconsistent, or lacking thoroughness. For instance, "The report provided "patchy details" about the project's progress, leaving many questions unanswered."

What are some alternatives to saying "patchy details"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "incomplete information", "fragmentary information", or "scattered details".

Is it better to say "patchy details" or "incomplete details"?

"Patchy details" suggests that some details exist but are inconsistent or unclear, while "incomplete details" simply means that some details are missing. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What does it mean when someone says the "details are patchy"?

When someone says the "details are patchy", it means that the information available is not comprehensive or consistent. There may be gaps, contradictions, or areas where information is lacking.