scarcely necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is hardly needed or not essential in a given context. Example: "The additional features in the software update seem scarcely necessary, as the current version already meets our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's scarcely necessary to dig into the archives to work that out.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it is scarcely necessary for advertisers to spell out the notion that a certain codified, ritualized pattern of furnishing a house with homespun textures and materials indicates the vitality and honesty of the inhabitant's mind.

The New Yorker

It is scarcely necessary to report that there was much beautiful singing and playing by Kathleen Ferrier and Gerald Moore at the recital given in the Royal Festival Hall last night.

The Guardian - Music

On the trial reverse the name "Monticello" seemed scarcely necessary and was therefore, logically, omitted.

Wikipedia

Contemporary rower and author William MacMichael suggested: "Of these two crews it is scarcely necessary to say more than that if they did not reach the consummate excellence of some which we have been accustomed to look back upon as the highest standard of form and beauty, they were yet a good average specimen of University rowing".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As it turns out, it was hardly necessary; scarcely anyone in the class objected to being on television, bad-hair day or not.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Ikeda's presence scarcely seems necessary.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, it scarcely seems necessary to mention how ironic Putin's article is given the huge demonstrations that continue to take place across Russia, protesting against alleged vote-rigging by his party during the December elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1810, Maclean himself gave the clearest statement of his frustrations and new approach to the promotion of all his medical theories: "it can scarcely be necessary to say that it is not from the College, but through the public and the legislature, that I expect any favourable change to be effected in the profession of medicine".

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Indeed, in some crucial ways, they represent an intellectual step backward from a left that had recognised atheism as necessary but scarcely sufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I was first hired I received very little information on the hiring process, my 'welcome package was scarcely equipped with all the necessary information.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarcely necessary", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason why something is not needed. Providing a brief explanation can enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely necessary" when something is completely unnecessary. The phrase implies that while something might have a minimal use, it's largely unneeded. If there is no use at all, opt for "unnecessary" or "not required".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely necessary" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which something is needed. It indicates that something is almost, but not quite, unnecessary. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcely necessary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that something is only slightly needed or almost unnecessary. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to downplay the importance of something, and it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While "scarcely necessary" is suitable for neutral writing, alternatives such as "hardly required" or "barely essential" can be considered depending on the desired tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains why the subject is of minimal importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely required

Synonymous, replacing "necessary" with "required" without significant change in meaning.

hardly required

Replaces "necessary" with "required", offering a slightly more formal tone.

hardly essential

Similar meaning, focusing on the non-essential nature of something.

barely essential

Substitutes "scarcely" with "barely" and "necessary" with "essential", emphasizing the marginal importance.

barely needed

Indicates that something is only slightly or marginally needed.

almost unneeded

Uses "almost" and "unneeded" to suggest something is very close to being completely unnecessary.

minimally required

Emphasizes that only a small amount or degree is needed, if at all.

marginally important

Highlights that something has very little importance.

virtually dispensable

Highlights that something can easily be done without.

almost superfluous

Suggests that something is beyond what is necessary or sufficient.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "scarcely necessary" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "hardly required", "barely essential", or "almost unneeded" depending on the context.

What does "scarcely necessary" mean?

It means that something is barely needed or almost unnecessary. It implies that the thing in question has minimal importance or relevance in a given situation.

Is it better to say "not necessary" or "scarcely necessary"?

It depends on the context. "Not necessary" means something is completely unneeded, whereas "scarcely necessary" suggests it has a very minimal level of necessity but is largely unneeded.

Can "scarcely necessary" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "hardly essential" or "minimally required" for a more formal tone.