scant information

USAGE SUMMARY

"scant information" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that there is a lack of data or information on a particular subject. For example: "We have only been able to locate scant information on the effects of this medication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Ray may have scant information to underpin his optimism, but he is not ill-informed.

BBC

There is scant information on short-selling.

The New York Times

It contains scant information about our offer.

The Guardian

There is also scant information on nest-building activities.

Cornell University

The F.B.I. has provided scant information on why it is focusing so closely on them.

The New York Times

There was scant information for demonstrators about the reasons, the duration, and the exit possibilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have scant information since it's privately held and structured as private equity.

The Washington Post

There was scant information available about its impact on large populations.

The New York Times - Magazine

We considered a number of potential donors from the scant information we were given.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a result, these tests offer scant information for predicting patient outcomes.

Yale University

Prior to this study, there was scant information on the nesting phenology of Black Swift.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant information", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the information is lacking in, or what the consequences of this lack might be. For example, "Due to the scant information available, conclusive results could not be determined."

Common error

While "scant information" is suitable for a range of contexts, avoid using it in extremely informal settings. Opt for more casual phrases like "not much info" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant information" functions as a noun phrase where "scant" is an adjective modifying the noun "information". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe situations where the amount of information available is limited or insufficient. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

43%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant information" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a situation where there is a limited amount of data available. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to highlight deficiencies in knowledge, as confirmed by examples found in Ludwig. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's advisable to avoid it in extremely informal settings. Related phrases include "limited information" and "sparse information". When using "scant information", ensure the context clarifies what information is lacking and its consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited information

This alternative directly replaces "scant" with "limited", emphasizing a restriction in the amount of information available.

sparse information

This alternative replaces "scant" with "sparse", highlighting the thin or scattered nature of the available information.

meager information

This alternative uses "meager" instead of "scant", stressing the inadequacy or poorness of the information.

little information

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing that there is not much information available.

minimal information

This alternative focuses on the idea that the information is reduced to the smallest possible amount.

inadequate information

This alternative suggests that the information is not sufficient for a particular purpose.

insufficient data

This alternative uses "data" instead of "information" and suggests a lack of the necessary facts or figures.

limited data

This alternative focuses on the restriction of the data amount.

scarce data

This alternative emphasizes that the information is difficult to find or obtain.

paucity of information

This option uses a more formal and emphatic way to describe the shortage of information.

FAQs

How to use "scant information" in a sentence?

You can use "scant information" to describe a situation where there is a lack of data or details. For example, "The report provided "scant information" about the causes of the accident" or "We were operating with "scant information", making decision-making difficult".

What can I say instead of "scant information"?

You can use alternatives like "limited information", "sparse information", or "meager information" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scant information" a formal way to say "not much information"?

Yes, "scant information" is generally considered more formal than "not much information". While both convey a lack of data, "scant" has a slightly more elevated and literary tone, making it suitable for academic or professional contexts. "Not much information" is better suited for informal settings.

What's the difference between "scant information" and "scarce information"?

While "scant" and "scarce" are similar in meaning, "scarce information" often implies that the information is difficult to obtain, whereas ""scant information"" simply indicates a lack of quantity. "Scarce" emphasizes availability; "scant" emphasizes amount.