scant explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an explanation that is insufficient or lacking in detail. Example: "The report provided a scant explanation of the project's objectives, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Tenants disappear with scant explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

Hatred isn't the first game to have been pulled from Steam with scant explanation.

The Guardian - Tech

Scant explanation and poor understanding of their options leads patients to give consent for unjustified procedures but also to forego necessary interventions.

The Guardian - Opinion

They provide too little due process and scant explanation of their decisions in cases where more than half of threatened deportees represent themselves.

The New York Times

Umaru Yar'Adua, Nigeria's long-ailing leader, had left in November for a clinic in Saudi Arabia, with scant explanation and without formally appointing a replacement, never to be seen in public again.

The Economist

It has meant a quick search for the most tragic story, the most dramatic images, shown without context, scant explanation of why the disaster happened, and with no background information on how that country or community became so troubled in the first place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These scant explanations fueled more speculation.

The New York Times

The rebuilding of Iraq's oil industry has been characterized in the months since by increasing costs and scant public explanation.

The New York Times

A4 Iraq Contracts Bring Questions The rebuilding Iraq's oil industry has been characterized by escalating costs and scant public explanation.

The New York Times

Apologies and legal explanations offer scant comfort to a victim and the public are rightly reluctant to place their trust in public authorities unwilling to accept their failings.

The Guardian

Apologies and legal explanations offer scant comfort to a victim, and the public are rightly reluctant to put their trust in public authorities that are unwilling to accept their failings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant explanation", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is lacking or why the explanation is insufficient. This provides a stronger impact and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "scant explanation" as a generic criticism. Instead, specify the missing details or the areas where the explanation falls short to make your critique more constructive and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant explanation" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It denotes a lack of detail or thoroughness in an explanation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an explanation lacking in detail or thoroughness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from credible sources. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. It's important to use the phrase precisely, ensuring the context clarifies the missing information or the reason for the explanation's inadequacy. Alternatives such as "inadequate explanation" or "limited explanation" can provide similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate explanation

Indicates the explanation doesn't meet the required standard or is insufficient.

meager explanation

Suggests the explanation is sparse and lacks substance.

limited explanation

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the explanation, lacking comprehensive details.

brief explanation

Focuses on the shortness and conciseness of the explanation.

superficial explanation

Highlights that the explanation doesn't delve into deeper aspects.

cursory explanation

Implies the explanation is hasty and lacks attention to detail.

minimal explanation

Indicates the explanation is reduced to the bare essentials.

thin explanation

Suggests the explanation lacks depth and is unconvincing.

perfunctory explanation

Implies the explanation is given as a matter of routine, lacking genuine interest.

unsatisfactory explanation

Highlights the explanation doesn't meet expectations or provide sufficient information.

FAQs

How can I use "scant explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "scant explanation" to describe situations where an explanation lacks detail or is insufficient. For example, "The company provided a "scant explanation" for the sudden policy change."

What are some alternatives to "scant explanation"?

Alternatives include "inadequate explanation", "limited explanation", or "meager explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "scant explanation" or "little explanation"?

"Scant explanation" often implies a more significant lack of detail or thoroughness compared to "little explanation". The best choice depends on the degree of insufficiency you wish to emphasize.

How does "scant explanation" differ from "incomplete explanation"?

"Incomplete explanation" suggests that some parts of the explanation are missing, while "scant explanation" indicates that even the parts present lack sufficient detail and substance. Both describe deficiencies, but in different ways.