scarcely used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rarely or infrequently utilized. Example: "The tool is scarcely used in modern construction practices, as newer technologies have taken its place."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hypnotic use was twice as common in Dutch youth compared with US but scarcely used in German youth (0.09%).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

After a few weeks, scarcely used, they find their way into landfill.

The Guardian

It little mattered that the director has scarcely used the place during his tenure.

The New York Times

With goals in short supply, Levein has scarcely used the likes of Ross McCormack, Jordan Rhodes and Robert Snodgrass.

The Guardian - Sport

That Chelsea scarcely used him except as a substitute or a replacement when Didier Drogba needed a rest could play into the world champion's hands.

The New York Times - Sports

The meaning of this statutory language, including the odd phrase "for a tort only," is obscure and the law was scarcely used until lower federal courts began applying it in international human rights cases in the 1980's.

The New York Times

In those days, the word for such people collectively was "intelligentsia," borrowed from the Russian and scarcely used anymore, as though the Bolshevik Revolution, in eliminating the social grouping, had consigned the term to "the ashcan of history"—a favorite receptacle.

The New Yorker

The head coach Trevor Bayliss has never seen him play and his county scarcely used him in Twenty20 last year but the man behind Liam Dawson's selection for England is adamant he has what it takes to thrive on the world stage.

The Guardian - Sport

Though I think it's a bit off-target for Mr Sanchez to imply that the clearing operations and arrests at Zuccotti Park were motivated by the desires of constituents who "want their parks to remain usable for traditionally park-ish purposes"; before the protestors took it over, Zuccotti Park was scarcely used at all.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Never mind: Mr. Wentz scarcely uses that thing.

The New York Times

The New York actor/writer appeared in a dressing gown (one could scarcely use so declassé a word as "bathrobe") almost as alluring as the very sight of his co-star, Jennifer Tilly, the Hollywood actress making a delicious London stage debut.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the limited application of a tool or technique, use "scarcely used" to emphasize its infrequent or minimal utilization, especially when comparing it to other options or previous practices.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely used" when the intention is to convey that something is not used at all. "Scarcely used" indicates infrequent use, not complete absence. For the latter, opt for phrases like "not used" or "unused".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely used" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it is used infrequently. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarcely used" functions as an adjectival modifier indicating that something is infrequently utilized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its prevalence in scientific and news media sources suggests a neutral to slightly formal register. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to ensure the phrase accurately reflects infrequent rather than absent usage. Consider alternatives like "rarely employed" or "infrequently utilized" based on the specific context. Remember that "scarcely used" suggests some level of application, albeit minimal, rather than complete disuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely employed

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or technical context.

infrequently utilized

Substitutes both "scarcely" and "used" with more formal synonyms, highlighting the lack of use.

seldom applied

Similar to "rarely employed", but uses "applied" to emphasize the action of using something.

hardly ever used

Emphasizes the infrequency with "hardly ever", providing a slightly stronger sense of rarity.

minimally used

Focuses on the small amount of usage rather than the frequency.

sparingly used

Suggests that something is used carefully and in small amounts.

underutilized

Highlights the potential for more use that is not being realized.

lightly used

Indicates a low level of usage, implying that something is still in good condition.

uncommonly used

A more direct synonym, replacing "scarcely" with "uncommonly" for simplicity.

infrequent use

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, suitable for different grammatical structures.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely used" in a sentence?

"Scarcely used" describes something that is rarely utilized. Example: "The technology, though innovative, is "scarcely used" in the industry due to its high cost."

What are some alternatives to "scarcely used"?

Alternatives include "rarely employed", "infrequently utilized", or "seldom applied", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "scarcely used" grammatically correct?

Yes, "scarcely used" is grammatically correct and commonly found in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "scarcely used" and "rarely used"?

Both phrases convey infrequent use, but "scarcely used" might suggest an even lower frequency or a sense of surprise that something isn't used more often, while "rarely used" is a more neutral statement of infrequency.