sparingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word sparingly is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adverb that means "used or done very cautiously or not very often". For example, you might say "I use salt sparingly in my cooking because it can be unhealthy in large quantities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

High-caffeine drinks, however, are not the same as coffee and should be avoided by adolescents and drunk sparingly by adults.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mash up two cubes and add to a spinach stir-fry for gorgeous umami creaminess, or just eat – sparingly – from the jar with rice or congee.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anonymous has tweeted sparingly from the account, but has confirmed it has access to direct messages that confirm the validity of the @KuKluxKlanUSA account and promised a further statement at 3am GMT on 18 November.

The Guardian - Tech

A recent parliamentary report said that Home Office officials were failing to follow guidance that immigration detention should be used sparingly and for the shortest period possible.

The Guardian

'Some man, that Cantona.'" Cantona may have used his words sparingly while motivating team-mates, but he was never short of a quote when asked to describe his relationship with the club: "I am in love with Manchester United.

The Guardian - Sport

He was used sparingly in Rome and found it difficult to hold down a first-team place in a squad that contained Juan Sebastián Verón, Diego Simeone and Dejan Stankovic.

The Guardian - Sport

The key to making it work is to use it sparingly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He may have to be used sparingly in Tuesday evening's crucial match at Aston Villa.

The Guardian - Sport

While Gingrich and Santorum sparingly attacked each other, they both ran ads against Romney.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seemingly, traditional building methods are also sparingly applied.

The Guardian

Drizzle over grilled meats, roasted veg or morning eggs and use sparingly to enhance the flavour of stews and ragus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to use something "sparingly", be specific about the reasons for doing so. Instead of just saying "use salt sparingly", explain that it's to reduce sodium intake for health reasons.

Common error

While both adverbs indicate infrequent occurrence, "sparingly" implies a deliberate choice to limit usage, whereas "rarely" simply describes something that doesn't happen often, regardless of intent. Don't use "rarely" when you want to emphasize the intentional restriction of something.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sparingly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical function. For example, "use water sparingly" modifies the verb "use."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sparingly" is a versatile adverb that advises or describes the cautious and limited use of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and its frequent occurrence across various sources, including news media and formal business contexts, confirms its common usage. While it shares semantic similarities with terms like "in moderation" and "with restraint", it distinctly implies intentional restriction. When using "sparingly", ensure clarity by providing reasons for the limited usage and avoid confusing it with "rarely", which doesn't necessarily imply intent. The adverb's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In moderation

Suggests a balanced approach to using something, focusing on avoiding excess rather than strict limitation.

With restraint

Emphasizes self-control and carefulness in using something, highlighting a deliberate effort to limit consumption.

Meagerly

Focuses on the small quantity or amount used, often implying a lack of abundance or sufficiency.

Infrequently

Highlights the rare occurrence of use, emphasizing the temporal aspect of limitation.

In small doses

Suggests a controlled and limited administration, often used in the context of medicine or potentially harmful substances.

Judiciously

Implies wise and careful use, emphasizing the thoughtful consideration behind the limitation.

Economically

Highlights efficiency and avoidance of waste in usage, emphasizing the financial or resource-saving aspect.

Conservedly

Focuses on preserving resources by using them carefully and avoiding waste.

Restrictedly

Highlights the imposition of limits on use, often implying an external force or rule enforcing the restriction.

Minimally

Emphasizes reducing usage to the smallest possible amount, focusing on efficiency and essential needs.

FAQs

How do you use "sparingly" in a sentence?

The adverb "sparingly" means using or doing something cautiously or not very often. For example, "Use strong spices "sparingly", as they can easily overpower the dish."

What can I say instead of "sparingly"?

You can use alternatives like "in moderation", "with restraint", or "meagerly" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "use sparingly" or "use with sparingly"?

"Use "sparingly"" is the correct and more concise phrasing. The addition of "with" is unnecessary and grammatically awkward.

What's the difference between "sparingly" and "frugally"?

"Sparingly" refers to using something in small amounts or infrequently, while "frugally" refers to using resources carefully to avoid waste. They both imply economy but in slightly different ways.