Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
research is sparse
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence "research is sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a lack of available information about something. For example: "Research on the effects of the new policies is sparse, making it difficult to make any lasting changes."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
Research is sparse so far on the impact of Hydra.
News & Media
Still, startling new discoveries in anatomy are uncommon, and money for research is sparse.
News & Media
Research is sparse which examines pathways to suicide, and resilience to suicide, in people who are particularly vulnerable to suicide, for example, prison inmates.
Science
Presently, research is sparse on effective strategies to prevent obesity in preschool children in China.
Science
However, prior research is sparse, and primarily includes cross-sectional studies confined to mental health service (MHS) utilization in adult disaster survivors [ 7, 8].
Science
Utilities can be extracted from previously published work but it is likely this form of research is sparse in liver disease.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
To summarize, conclusive findings within this area of research are sparse and additional research is needed.
Science
While the available research evidence is sparse for most conditions, there was a marked increase in published RCTs in recent years.
Though research on children is sparse, at least one study found that a program for middle school kids pairing mindfulness meditation and tai chi seemed to increase their connection to nature.
News & Media
Relatively little, however, has been reported on relationships between PM10 2.5 and systemic inflammation as measured in blood, and research in humans is sparse.
While there has been much research regarding risk factors and prognostic factors for breast cancer in general, research specific to Iran is sparse.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "research is sparse", consider specifying the area or aspect where research is lacking to provide more context and clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "research is sparse" when some studies exist, but the results are inconclusive. Instead, acknowledge the existing research while highlighting its limitations.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "research is sparse" functions as a statement indicating a lack of substantial investigation or data on a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. The examples show its use in various academic and scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "research is sparse" is a grammatically sound and professionally acceptable way to express that a particular area lacks substantial investigation or available data. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it serves to underscore gaps in knowledge and often justifies the need for further study. While "research is sparse" is useful for pointing out areas needing further exploration, it's important not to overstate the lack of research when some studies exist but have limitations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
research is limited
Substitutes "sparse" with "limited", emphasizing the restricted amount of research available.
research is scant
Replaces "sparse" with "scant", suggesting a meager or insufficient amount of research.
research is lacking
Uses "lacking" instead of "sparse" to highlight the absence of sufficient research.
there is little research
Restructures the sentence to emphasize the small quantity of research.
the research is underdeveloped
Indicates that the existing research is not yet fully developed or comprehensive.
the evidence is thin
Emphasizes the weakness or insubstantiality of the available evidence.
data is scarce
Focuses on the lack of available data, which often drives research.
studies are few
Highlights the small number of studies conducted on the topic.
investigation is preliminary
Suggests that the research is in its early stages and not yet conclusive.
knowledge is incomplete
Emphasizes the lack of full understanding due to insufficient research.
FAQs
How can I use "research is sparse" in a sentence?
You can use "research is sparse" to indicate that there is not much information or data available on a particular topic. For example, "Research is sparse on the long-term effects of this new treatment".
What does it mean when "research is sparse"?
When it's said that "research is sparse", it means that there is a limited amount of research, data, or studies available on a specific subject. This often suggests a need for further investigation.
What are some alternatives to saying "research is sparse"?
Alternatives to "research is sparse" include phrases like "research is limited", "data is scarce", or "evidence is thin", depending on the specific context.
Is it appropriate to use "research is sparse" in academic writing?
Yes, using "research is sparse" is appropriate in academic writing to acknowledge a lack of extensive studies on a particular topic, which can then justify the need for further research.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested