scant time left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant time left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is very little time remaining to complete a task or activity. Example: "With only a few minutes before the deadline, we realized we had scant time left to finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Plenty of time left.

The New York Times

They had little time left.

The New Yorker

We still have time left".

The New York Times - Sports

There is some time left.

The New York Times

High patient volumes and honest-to-goodness life-or-death emergencies leave scant time for meditation.

The New Yorker

His real day job, though, is one that is almost always high stress, leaving scant time for a personal life.

The New York Times

Even if creditors give a struggling company more rope, they are not patient about it, and tight repayment deadlines leave scant time to turn a big company around.

The New York Times

And that leaves scant time to run the collider before it has to shut down for the winter in early December to save money on electricity.

The New York Times - Science

Weber acknowledged there were specific developmental disadvantages, noting that his team began this season with five games in 10 days against formidable league opponents, leaving scant time for training.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an environment that unfortunately leaves scant time for pausing to evaluate how well new initiatives are working or whether there might have been a better way to roll out a particular policy.

The Guardian

Aw, who has a kinship with Tan Twan Eng, author of the Booker-shortlisted The Garden of Evening Mists, casts one eye on the past in a place whose full-throttle growth leaves scant time for the backward glance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scant time left" when you want to emphasize that the limited time available is barely sufficient for the task at hand. This phrase adds a touch of formality and urgency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "scant time left" in very casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not much time" or "very little time" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant time left" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a limited or insufficient amount of time remaining for a particular task or purpose. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is usable in English, adding emphasis to the limited nature of the time available.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scant time left" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that emphasizes the limited amount of time remaining. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate in various writing contexts, particularly when conveying urgency. While not exceptionally common, it effectively communicates the scarcity of time, often appearing in news and media outlets, as well as scientific publications. While it is not wrong to use in different contexts, it is important to remember it is more formal and might not be suited to casual environments. Alternatives like "little time left" offer similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very little time remaining

Focuses on the remaining time quantity.

hardly any time remaining

Emphasizes the lack of time left.

almost no time left

Highlights the near absence of time.

limited time available

Indicates a constraint on the amount of time.

short time frame

Emphasizes the brevity of the period.

little time to spare

Highlights the lack of buffer time.

not much time remaining

Expresses the small amount of time left.

precious little time remaining

Emphasizes both the scarcity and value of the time.

time is running out

Implies urgency due to the diminishing time.

the clock is ticking

Uses a metaphor to describe the dwindling time.

FAQs

How can I use "scant time left" in a sentence?

You can use "scant time left" to emphasize the urgency of a situation, such as: "With "scant time left" before the deadline, we had to work quickly."

What's a more common phrase for "scant time left"?

More common alternatives include "little time left" or "limited time available", which may sound less formal.

Is "scant time left" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "scant time left" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a sense of urgency and scarcity in a concise and professional manner.

How does "scant time left" differ from "very little time"?

"Scant time left" carries a slightly more formal and literary tone compared to "very little time", which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. Both express the same basic idea but differ in register.