scant hope

USAGE SUMMARY

'scant hope' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a very small chance of success or a verging on non-existent possibility. For example: "With only scant hope of success, they attempted a daring rescue mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But with scant hope.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those seeking higher pay have scant hope.

The Economist

Still, Ms. Dorigny has scant hope.

The New York Times

Forecasts give scant hope for improvement.

The New York Times

The authors offer scant hope for the future.

The New York Times

I, like most frequent travelers, hold out scant hope.

The New York Times

Without that change, there is scant hope of success.

The New Yorker

Sadly, as Beijing's heavy-handed control of the Olympics suggests, there is scant hope of that.

The Economist

With scant hope of peaceful change through elections, challengers inevitably consider other, more violent, options.

The Economist

Greece amassed a huge debt that it has scant hope of repaying.

The New York Times

The peace negotiations had been scheduled to expire next Tuesday, with scant hope of an extension.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scant hope" to add a touch of formality and gravitas when describing situations with minimal chances of success. For instance, instead of saying "There's almost no chance of finding survivors," you can write "There is "scant hope" of finding survivors."

Common error

Avoid using "scant hope" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in those situations. Use simpler alternatives like "little chance" or "not much hope" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant hope" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It typically modifies a verb or clause to express a low degree of optimism, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant hope" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a minimal amount of optimism in a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it effectively conveys pessimism, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "little expectation" or "slim chance" can provide variety. Ultimately, "scant hope" adds a touch of gravitas to writing when describing bleak prospects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little expectation

Focuses on the lack of anticipation or expectation for a positive outcome.

minimal prospect

Highlights the reduced possibility or chance of something happening.

remote possibility

Emphasizes the distant and unlikely nature of an event occurring.

slim chance

Indicates a very small probability of success or a favorable outcome.

faint optimism

Highlights the diminished or weakened level of positivity.

meager prospects

Focuses on the limited and deficient nature of the opportunities available.

negligible likelihood

Emphasizes the almost nonexistent probability of an event.

reduced anticipation

Highlights the lowered level of expectation for something positive.

diminished expectation

Focuses on the reduced or lessened feeling of anticipation.

tenuous outlook

Indicates a weak or fragile situation, making a positive result improbable.

FAQs

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

You can use "scant hope" to describe a situation where there is very little expectation of a positive outcome. For example, "After the devastating earthquake, there was "scant hope" of finding any more survivors."

What are some synonyms for "scant hope"?

Alternatives to "scant hope" include "little expectation", "minimal prospect", or "slim chance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "scant hope" a formal expression?

Yes, "scant hope" is generally considered a more formal expression. It is best suited for formal writing or serious discussions. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "scant hope" and "little hope"?

"Scant hope" and "little hope" are quite similar, but "scant hope" suggests an even smaller degree of hope. "Scant" emphasizes the inadequacy or deficiency of the hope.