scant value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant value" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has very little worth or significance. Example: "The research findings provided scant value to the ongoing debate about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She found scant value in dissent for its own sake — "I don't believe in professional dissidents.

The New York Times

While a new tax is likely, it might be of scant value if mineral prices plunge.

The New York Times

Further education funding prioritises lower-level skills and qualifications, which is of scant value to the over-25s.

The Guardian

The focus of the Dalai Lama's visit is his message, Dhonden said, because Tibetan tradition places scant value on birthday celebrations.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In this, he has had the support of all the main political parties in Britain, though some politicians, including a number in his own Conservative Party, have questioned how long Britain, with a $50 billion defense budget that is already severely overstretched, can continue to make such substantial outlays on faraway, thinly populated islands with scant strategic value.

The New York Times

This ISIS attack was squarely against the West, a mere fifth of "all of humanity," with whom we share scant "universal values," and of whom we have only partial, often superficial, understanding.

Huffington Post

His mother, Virginia, 78, pays scant heed to his value outlook, having bought bought Cisco Systems at $2.50 a share in 1995, and Oracle at about $15 in early 1999.

The New York Times

Still, a recent sampling of value managers found scant concern that the bargain bin had been emptied.

The New York Times

Regardless of how much Western music may or may not have been enriched by posthumous contributions channeled by Mrs. Brown, there was scant doubt of her entertainment value.

The New York Times

If support for second-amendment rights counts as a conservative value, there is scant consolation for Republicans: last year just 29% of Latino voters told a Pew poll that gun "rights" were more important than gun "control".

The Economist

However, there are scant data about the predictive value of these biomarkers in combination.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant value", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the object or concept being evaluated lacks in worth or significance. For example, "The data provided "scant value" in predicting market trends".

Common error

Avoid using "scant value" when you actually mean 'no value' or 'negative value'. "Scant" implies a small amount, not a complete absence. Instead of "The effort had "scant value"", consider "The effort was utterly worthless".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant value" functions as a descriptive term. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. It's used to indicate that something possesses a minimal or insufficient amount of worth or importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scant value" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something with minimal worth or significance. Ludwig indicates that it's suitable for various contexts, including news and media, as well as scientific writings. While not frequently used (rated as 'rare'), its purpose is to express a negative evaluation, highlighting a lack of significant utility or importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal worth

Emphasizes the lack of inherent worth or merit.

little significance

Focuses on the absence of importance or consequence.

limited utility

Highlights the restriction in practical usefulness or application.

meager benefit

Stresses the small amount of advantage or gain.

negligible importance

Indicates the insignificance or unimportance of something.

inconsiderable merit

Highlights the lack of appreciable positive quality.

deficient value

Directly points to a lack or shortage of value.

trivial worth

Suggests the value is small and unimportant.

nominal value

Refers to a value that is stated but not real or meaningful.

slight importance

Emphasizes that the level of importance is small.

FAQs

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

In the phrase ""scant value"", "scant" means barely sufficient or minimal. It suggests that the value is present, but only in a small or inadequate amount.

What are some synonyms for ""scant value""?

Alternatives to ""scant value"" include phrases like "minimal worth", "little significance", or "limited utility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use ""scant value"" to describe something that has very little worth or significance. For example: "The evidence provided "scant value" in supporting the claim."

What's the difference between ""scant value"" and "no value"?

"Scant value" implies that there is some value, however small, while "no value" indicates a complete lack of worth. The choice depends on whether something has a minimal level of worth or absolutely none.