scant details

USAGE SUMMARY

"scant details" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a limited amount of information, especially when that information is inadequate or unsatisfactory. For example, "The report included scant details about the project's results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police have released scant details.

The Washington Post

Again, he provides scant details on how to get there.

The Washington Post

The U.S. Department of State's Web site offered scant details.

The New Yorker

Scant details have emerged from the Geneva talks.

The Guardian

However, scant details are available for these neuronal populations in humans.

Neuroscience

Governments have reported scant details of how they have spent the money from these loans.

The New York Times

Management has given scant details, other than saying that the company's lenders will participate.

The Washington Post

The government has also offered scant details on how its economic plan would be financed.

The New York Times

Given the scant details we know about his life, it's probably inevitable.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ferrer offered scant details on what he described as "a lovely breakfast".

The New York Times

Ms. White promised to tackle enforcement actions and unfinished regulation, but offered scant details on her plans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant details", ensure your writing clearly conveys the sense that information is lacking and that this lack is significant to the context. This phrase often implies a need for more comprehensive information.

Common error

Avoid using "scant details" when the limited information is actually sufficient for the purpose at hand. Using it in such cases can sound overly dramatic or critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant details" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "details". It describes the nature of the details as being limited or insufficient. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is common in various contexts, indicating its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant details" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation where information is limited or insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context genuinely warrants the expression of lacking information and that overstating its significance is avoided. Alternative phrases such as "limited details" or "few details" can be used to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited details

Indicates a restriction on the amount of information available.

few details

Emphasizes the small quantity of information provided.

sparse details

Highlights the thin or scattered nature of the information.

minimal details

Stresses the bare minimum of information being given.

small details

Focuses on the diminutive nature of the specifics offered.

rare details

Suggests the uncommon availability of the particulars.

insufficient details

Highlights the inadequacy of the information provided.

inadequate details

Similar to insufficient, but may suggest a more significant deficiency.

sketchy details

Implies a lack of clarity and potential unreliability in the information.

meager details

Suggests that the provided information is not only limited but also poor in quality.

FAQs

How to use "scant details" in a sentence?

You can use "scant details" to describe situations where information is lacking. For example, "Police released "scant details" about the investigation" or "The report provided "scant details" on the project's progress".

What can I say instead of "scant details"?

You can use alternatives like "limited details", "few details", or "sparse details" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "scant details" or "scanty details"?

Both "scant details" and "scanty details" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "scant details" is more commonly used in contemporary writing.

Is it appropriate to use "scant details" in formal writing?

Yes, "scant details" is appropriate for formal writing, including news reports, academic papers, and business documents. Its usage indicates a lack of comprehensive information in a neutral and professional manner.