scant understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or insufficient level of comprehension about a subject or topic. Example: "Despite his years of experience, he had only a scant understanding of the complex theories involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Even in Europe, there is scant understanding of the new transnational realities.

The Guardian - Opinion

She quickly devised a plan, based on her scant understanding of the disease.

The New York Times - Health

We've come to eat what we eat based on long but limited experience, and scant understanding.

The New York Times - Food

They felt lost in the hospital's corridors; with their scant understanding of English, they struggled to make sense of all the complicated medical terms.

The New York Times

Today, Mr. Kostunica renewed his criticism of the United States, but in far more muted terms, saying it had shown scant "understanding" of the political process in Serbia.

The New York Times

All too often, senior bank managers have shown scant understanding of the sorts of risks their traders are running, let alone a knowledge of the bank's controls.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The book shows scant political understanding.

The Economist

It aroused scant sympathy then.

The Economist

She and Bonita had often had lengthy conversations that left Richard with only the scantest broad understanding, through the few words he recognized, all subtleties lost.

The New Yorker

Many pupils leave school with scant knowledge or understanding of religion and beliefs, according to a report by Ofsted inspectors released today.

Independent

As a result, without the knowledge of a substantial number of tele-enhancers, we still have a scant genome-wide understanding of interactions between long-range enhancers and their target genes.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant understanding", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject lacks comprehension of. Being specific enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "scant understanding" implies something is trivial. It highlights a deficiency in knowledge, which can have significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant understanding" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing the extent of someone's knowledge or comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a limited grasp of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant understanding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a limited or insufficient level of comprehension. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "limited comprehension" exist, "scant understanding" effectively highlights the deficiency in knowledge. Remember to provide clear context and avoid assuming it implies triviality. Understanding its implications is key to using it effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate grasp

Stresses the insufficiency of one's hold on a concept or subject.

limited comprehension

Focuses on comprehension rather than understanding, implying a boundary on what's grasped.

tenuous understanding

Implies that the understanding is fragile and easily disrupted.

minimal grasp

Emphasizes a tenuous hold or awareness of a subject.

deficient knowledge

Highlights the lack or absence of the necessary knowledge.

superficial knowledge

Highlights that the knowledge is only on the surface level, not deep.

slight awareness

Indicates a minimal or faint level of consciousness or knowledge.

rudimentary awareness

Implies a very basic and underdeveloped level of consciousness or knowledge.

incomplete picture

Suggests that the understanding is missing key elements, resulting in an unfinished or flawed comprehension.

patchy awareness

Indicates that understanding is uneven, with some areas grasped better than others.

FAQs

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

You can use "scant understanding" to describe a situation where someone has a limited or insufficient comprehension of a particular subject. For example: "Despite his efforts, he had a "scant understanding" of the topic".

What are some alternatives to "scant understanding"?

Alternatives to "scant understanding" include "limited comprehension", "inadequate grasp", or "superficial knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "scant understanding" or "limited understanding"?

Both "scant understanding" and "limited understanding" are acceptable. "Scant" emphasizes the small amount of understanding, while "limited" focuses on the restriction. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does "scant" mean in the context of "scant understanding"?

In the phrase "scant understanding", "scant" means barely sufficient or minimal. It indicates that the level of understanding is not enough or is very limited.