scanty knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scanty knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or insufficient understanding of a particular subject or topic. Example: "Despite his efforts, he only had a scanty knowledge of the historical events that shaped the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like many others, Tasha's scanty knowledge of HIV and AIDS was liberally peppered with myths.

Unicef

To complement the still scanty knowledge of the properties and functions of the MACITs in vertebrates we embarked on an investigation of the evolution of these proteins and their possible roles in invertebrates, with an experimental focus on Caenorhabditis elegans.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, there is scanty knowledge about comminution of non-brittle materials in contrast to brittle materials.

International Journal of Mineral Processing

On the other hand, there is scanty knowledge about the pathophysiological effects induced by PPAR- γ dysfunctions.

BioMed Research International

To my own admittedly scantier knowledge, this conclusion is far from universal among biblical scholars.

The New York Times - Books

Three jurors certainly felt that Mr Moussaoui's knowledge of the plot was scanty.

The Economist

As knowledge of this VBO is scanty, we have performed photoluminescence measurements on a simple ZnTe/CdSe interface as a function of incident power.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Current genomic knowledge of Lepidoptera is very scanty and the covered taxon-sampling is extremely poor and limited to six superfamiles among the 45 48 known, and to 9 families of the recognized 120 [ 4].

BMC Genomics

But indeed, our knowledge of Kodaira fibrations is still scanty, for instance the following questions are still open.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

But it does not happen because the scope of the problem is too large and the knowledge of what to be done is too scanty.

The Guardian

However, knowledge of rotifers occurring in the Baltic is scanty.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "scanty knowledge of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific area or topic the knowledge is limited in. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "scanty knowledge of" when there is absolutely no knowledge. "No knowledge of" or "lack of knowledge of" is more appropriate when there is a complete absence of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scanty knowledge of" functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to indicate that the understanding or information available regarding that noun is limited or insufficient. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scanty knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a limited or insufficient understanding of a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effective communication. Alternative phrases such as "limited understanding of" or "superficial knowledge of" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited understanding of

Focuses on the constraint of comprehension rather than amount of knowledge.

Superficial knowledge of

Indicates a shallow level of understanding, lacking depth.

Rudimentary grasp of

Implies a basic, initial understanding of a subject.

Inadequate awareness of

Highlights the insufficient level of being informed or conscious.

Familiarity is lacking regarding

Emphasizes the absence of close or detailed acquaintance.

Minimal exposure to

Stresses the limited experience or contact with something.

Restricted insight into

Suggests limited perception or understanding of the inner nature of something.

Poor command of

Highlights a weak control or mastery over a subject.

Deficient expertise in

Indicates a lack of skill or competence in a particular area.

Circumscribed cognizance of

Denotes restricted awareness or consciousness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "scanty knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "scanty knowledge of" to indicate a limited or insufficient understanding of a topic. For example, "Despite his efforts, he only had a "scanty knowledge of" the historical events."

What's a good substitute for "scanty knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "limited understanding of", "superficial knowledge of", or "rudimentary grasp of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "scanty knowledge of" or "lack of knowledge of"?

Use "scanty knowledge of" when there is some, but very little, understanding. Use "lack of knowledge of" when there is a complete absence of understanding.

What does "scanty" mean in the phrase "scanty knowledge of"?

In this context, "scanty" means limited, insufficient, or meager. It describes the quality of the knowledge, not the quantity of information.