scant support for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant support for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is very little or insufficient support for a particular idea, proposal, or initiative. Example: "The research provided scant support for the hypothesis, leading the team to reconsider their approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

First, Crown Simpson provides scant support for the Government's atextual construction of subparagraph (F).

Cornell University

There was scant support for cutting off US aid to Egypt, the New York Times said.

The Guardian

As usual, the Yankees supplied scant support for Mussina and succumbed to Darren Oliver and three relievers in passive fashion.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, the record at best offers scant support for Congress’ conclusion that States were depriving patent owners of property without due process of law by pleading sovereign immunity in federal- court patent actions.

Cornell University

The Patent Remedy Act’s indiscriminate scope offends this principle, and is particularly incongruous in light of the scant support for the predicate unconstitutional conduct that Congress intended to remedy.

Cornell University

Alex Lees came within one wicket of carrying his bat second time round, but got scant support for his four hour 70 and Warwickshire fancied their chances with 229 to get for the win.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Mr. Manchin and Mr. Toomey have written an amendment intended to substitute for the background check component of the current bill, which has attracted scant support from Republicans.

The New York Times

received scant support from his colleagues.

Huffington Post

Scant support from the Spanish-language media.

Los Angeles Times

But there is scant support in East Asia for a candidate from India, which has been a fringe player on Asian as well as international financial issues.

The New York Times

West Germans have enjoyed eight straight years of economic growth and prosperity and they are giving the relatively generous offer for East Germany scant support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant support for", ensure that you clearly identify what is lacking support and why this lack of support is significant. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "scant support for". While it indicates a weakness, it doesn't necessarily mean complete failure. Maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant support for" functions as a qualifier, indicating a deficiency or lack of adequate backing for a particular claim, idea, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant support for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of adequate backing or evidence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a usable phrase in written English and its meaning is clear. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, denoting skepticism or criticism towards a claim or idea. Alternatives such as "limited backing for" or "minimal endorsement of" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "scant support for", clarity and context are crucial to effectively communicate the weakness in support for the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited backing for

Emphasizes the reduced degree of endorsement.

minimal endorsement of

Highlights the very small amount of approval.

little evidence for

Focuses on the shortage of proof or substantiation.

weak justification for

Highlights the insufficient rationale or reason.

tenuous basis for

Suggests a fragile or shaky foundation of support.

meager advocacy for

Emphasizes the lack of strong promotion or defense.

inadequate reinforcement for

Highlights the insufficient strengthening or bolstering.

sparse approval of

Focuses on the infrequency or scarcity of agreement.

deficient validation of

Indicates a lack of proper confirmation or authentication.

nominal championing of

Suggests a merely symbolic or token level of support.

FAQs

How can I use "scant support for" in a sentence?

You can use "scant support for" to indicate that an idea, proposal, or argument has very little backing or evidence. For example, "The hypothesis received "scant support for" from the experimental data".

What are some alternatives to "scant support for"?

Alternatives include "limited backing for", "minimal endorsement of", or "little evidence for", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scant support for" in formal writing?

Yes, "scant support for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you need to express a lack of substantial evidence or approval.

What does "scant" mean in the context of "scant support for"?

In this context, "scant" means barely sufficient or minimal. It emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency of the support being discussed.