sparse body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparse body" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a body that is thin or lacking in mass, often in contexts related to physical appearance or data representation. Example: "The artist's depiction of the character featured a sparse body, emphasizing the fragility of their existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Consequently, passerine taxonomists have been left with a rather sparse body of morphological information upon which to base a classification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company, which built the Austin Mini, used that car's 850-cubic-centimeter 850-cubic-centimeter 850-cubic-centimeterer drivetrain parts in a sparse body devoid of doors, with two or four seats and a canvas top.

The New York Times

In doing so, we particularly contribute to the growing, but still sparse, body of upper echelon research that analyzes the determinants of particular functional TMT roles.

Business Research

Despite a sparse body of evidence [ 11], mortality has been shown to increase with longer DI among patients with colorectal, lung, breast, melanoma or prostate cancers [ 12].

BMC Cancer

The widespread use in pregnancy is in contrast to the sparse body of evidence on both safety and effectiveness of cranberry use during pregnancy against UTIs.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Conceptually, we provide a deeper analysis of labour market regulations and welfare systems in LMICs, contributing to the growing yet sparse body of research on developing nations and population health [ 6].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the study area, sparse sand bodies are distributed only parallel to the lake shoreline in the southwestern part and are interpreted as beach bar sand.

Petroleum Science

Pathologically, a small number of tau-immunoreactive neurons was present in frontal, temporal and parietal cortices and sparse coiled bodies in subcortical white matter.

Brain

Immunofluorescence tests with antirabies conjugate prepared to be cross-reactive with the African rabies related viruses (Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Pretoria, South Africa) showed small and sparse inclusion bodies in impression smears of the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, medulla, and cerebellum.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

These fungi are diminutive, usually less than 10 mm (0.4 inch) in height, and are characterized by a sparse mycelium (fungal body) that produces unbranched sporangiophores (fruiting bodies) capped with black sporangia (spore clusters).

Encyclopedia Britannica

His speech may be sparse, but his body is expressively talkative, conveying violence, pathos and even tragedy in surprisingly precise fashion.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sparse body" to describe data, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a dataset with few entries, not a physical form.

Common error

Avoid using "sparse body" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as referring to a physical body when you actually mean a sparse dataset or collection of information. Use more specific terms like "minimal data" or "limited information" to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse body" functions as a descriptive term, combining the adjective 'sparse' to modify the noun 'body'. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sparse body" is a grammatically sound descriptor that can apply to both physical forms and abstract concepts, denoting a lack of density or completeness. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is relatively uncommon. As highlighted by examples on Ludwig, the phrase is used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, with a lean towards formal scientific registers when referring to bodies of evidence. When writing, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, especially if the context doesn't clearly distinguish between a physical body and a limited collection of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin physique

Focuses more on the physical appearance of being thin.

slim figure

Emphasizes a slender and graceful form.

meager frame

Highlights the insubstantial or deficient nature of the body's structure.

slight build

Refers to a body that is delicate or not robust.

scant remains

Used in the context of deceased bodies, implying very little is left.

lightweight structure

More applicable when 'body' refers to a non-human object; focuses on the lack of weight.

deficient corpus

More formal and abstract, often referring to a collection of writings or data.

underdeveloped physique

Implies a lack of growth or muscle mass.

attenuated form

Focuses on the process of becoming thinner or weaker.

fragmentary remains

Refers to incomplete or broken pieces of a body.

FAQs

How can I use "sparse body" in a sentence?

You can use "sparse body" to describe a physical form that is thin or lacking mass, or to describe a collection of data or information that is incomplete or limited. For example, "The dancer had a surprisingly sparse body." or "The research on this topic showed a sparse body of evidence."

What are some alternatives to "sparse body"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "thin physique", "slim figure", or "limited data".

Is it appropriate to use "sparse body" in formal writing?

Yes, "sparse body" can be used in formal writing, particularly in scientific or academic contexts when describing a limited amount of data or research. However, ensure that the context is clear and the term is used appropriately.

Which is more appropriate, "sparse body" or "thin body"?

The choice between "sparse body" and "thin body" depends on the specific context. "Thin body" generally refers to physical appearance, while "sparse body" can also refer to a collection of information or evidence that is limited. Choose the term that best reflects the intended meaning.