scant points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are very few points or details available on a particular topic. Example: "The report provided scant points on the project's progress, leaving us with more questions than answers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As for the Panama Canal "giveaway," it energized the American right while earning Carter scant points with the left.

The New Yorker

Even though Joe comes up with the smart idea of accelerating the process through the use of intercoms, his eager-beaver contributions earn him scant points with the boss, who refuses to promote him.

The New York Times

On the most obvious level, of course, there are scant points of comparison between "A Chorus Line," the era-defining Broadway musical about the life of the musical theater "gypsy," and "Trelawny of the Wells," the Englishman Arthur Wing Pinero's 1898 comedy about new theatrical forms and the potent allure of a life devoted to the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

To understand a puzzle that has been confounding scientists in recent years, researchers need to know not only the spatial extent of the ice, but also how thick it is, which is tricky to estimate from satellite data alone or from scant point measurements taken by drilling into ice floes.

Science Magazine

Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney won this district by over 20 points in 2012, yet Trump defeated his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton by a scant point in November, and it was Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla).

Huffington Post

The US team were a scant 0.084 points behind the Dutch for a podium spot when the 29-year-old from Connecticut entered the ring on Verdades and was solid on every mark, penning a fairytale ending to her Olympic debut.

The Guardian - Sport

Stephens managed to finish at the net only five times, winning a scant three points.

The New York Times

My opponent, a quiet but slick-shooting 20-something named Anwar, needed a scant 14 points for victory.

The New York Times - Arts

In the first set Tsonga managed to win a scant nine points; but in the second set his serve heated up and his ground game began to move Djokovic off the baseline.

The New York Times

John Morse, the Senate president who lost by a scant two points in his Colorado Springs district, said his loss of his seat was "a small price to pay" for saving lives with the modest Colorado gun laws.

Huffington Post

There was scant detail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scant points" when you want to emphasize the smallness or inadequacy of a number of points in a discussion or analysis. It adds a slightly more formal tone than "few points".

Common error

Avoid using "scant points" when you simply mean "few points" without intending to emphasize inadequacy. The word "scant" carries a subtle implication of deficiency that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant points" functions as a noun phrase where "scant" modifies "points". It indicates a limited or insufficient quantity. The phrase follows standard grammar rules, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scant points" is grammatically correct and means a small or insufficient amount of points. While not as common as "few points", it adds a touch of formality and emphasizes inadequacy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most often found in news and scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider whether you want to emphasize a deficiency, as this is the subtle connotation it carries. Alternatives like "few points" or "limited points" may be more appropriate if simple smallness is all you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few points

Replaces "scant" with "few", maintaining a similar level of informality and directness.

limited points

Substitutes "scant" with "limited", suggesting a restriction on the number of points.

minimal points

Uses "minimal" instead of "scant", indicating the smallest possible number of points.

meager points

Replaces "scant" with "meager", emphasizing the inadequacy or deficiency of the points.

a small number of points

Expands the phrase to explicitly state a small quantity, increasing clarity.

a handful of points

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a very small quantity of points.

a paucity of points

Replaces "scant" with "paucity", making the phrase more formal and emphasizing the lack of points.

a shortage of points

Implies a deficiency or lack of points, often in comparison to what is needed.

insufficient points

Indicates that the number of points is not enough for a particular purpose.

negligible points

Emphasizes that the number of points is so small that it can be disregarded.

FAQs

What does "scant points" mean?

"Scant points" means a very small or insufficient number of points. It emphasizes that the quantity is not only small but also possibly inadequate for a particular purpose.

What can I say instead of "scant points"?

You can use alternatives like "few points", "limited points", or "minimal points" depending on the context.

Is "scant points" formal or informal?

"Scant points" is somewhat more formal than alternatives like "few points". Using "scant" suggests a more deliberate and considered choice of words.

How do I use "scant points" in a sentence?

You can use "scant points" to describe a situation where something lacks sufficient detail or support, such as: "The evidence provided only offered scant points to support the argument".