sparse details

USAGE SUMMARY

"sparse details" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means that the information given is brief or lacking in depth, often making it difficult to fully understand the topic. Example: The police were given only sparse details about the suspect's appearance, making it challenging to identify and apprehend them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The government released sparse details about the group.

The Washington Post

The sparse details surrounding the transfer, too, have left some advocates of mitochondrial donation with several questions.

The Washington Post

Giving sparse details of the planning of the attack, the prime minister added: "We have been working literally around the clock with the US to track him down.

The Guardian

The story of the boy's stabbing unfolded in fits and starts throughout the day, and yielded only sparse details after Roberto was found bleeding on the roof.

The New York Times

From the sparse details available, it is difficult to test the creators' claim that the free lessons are "as effective as professional e-learning packages such as Rosetta Stone with a price tag of $500".

The Guardian

The sparse details mentioned in the report about setting up refugee camps, dispatching reconnaissance teams, and offering safe haven to exiled North Korean leaders are too vague to be of much edification.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Generally La Verna was depicted with sparse detail, whereas here St Francis kneels in a detailed countryside, perhaps a specific spot around La Verna in the Italian Apennines, where striated sandstone is commonly found.

Wikipedia

Furniture and ornaments stressed elongated, simple shapes with clear lines; the Directoire style's sparse detail and ornamentation were based mostly on ancient Roman objects recovered from excavations at Pompeii.

Britannica

When settlements are announced, there is often sparse detail, and thus little on which to build a body of case law.Surely companies with a strong defence would refuse to roll over and settle?

The Economist

And it very much aligns with the requirements of the ECJ," said Pritzker, giving sparse detail on the national security point.

TechCrunch

Unlike Kepler, which surveyed a large number of stars in sparse detail to compile an exoplanetary census, TESS and CHEOPS will focus on bright, sunlike stars close to Earth, enabling researchers to explore the midorbit terra incognita.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sparse details", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are lacking in detail. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience knows the missing details. If crucial, provide a brief summary or indicate where more information can be found even when you are giving "sparse details".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse details" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's used to characterize the nature of information presented, highlighting its incompleteness or lack of depth. As Ludwig AI shows, it often qualifies a noun, such as "report", "statement", or "account".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sparse details" is a common phrase used to describe situations where information is limited or incomplete. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the audience understands what information is lacking. Consider alternatives like "limited information" or "scant information" to add variety to your writing. While "sparse details" is generally acceptable, remember to provide more context if the missing information is crucial for understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited details

Direct synonym replacement, maintaining the original structure.

limited information

Replaces "details" with a broader term, focusing on the overall amount of information available.

minimal information

Emphasizes the small quantity of information available.

scant information

Synonymous replacement emphasizing insufficiency of the information provided.

inadequate details

Focuses on the insufficiency of the details for a particular purpose.

meager details

Emphasizes the lack of substance or fullness in the provided details.

thin details

Implies a lack of depth or substance in the details provided.

sketchy details

Suggests the details are incomplete and potentially unreliable.

fragmentary details

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the available details.

brief information

Focuses on the concise nature of the information, rather than its lack.

FAQs

What does "sparse details" mean?

The phrase "sparse details" indicates that only a small amount of information or few details are provided about a particular topic, often suggesting that the information is incomplete or lacking depth.

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

You can use "sparse details" to describe situations where information is limited. For example: "The report provided "sparse details" about the company's financial losses."

What are some alternatives to "sparse details"?

Alternatives to "sparse details" include "limited information", "scant information", or "meager details". These phrases all convey the idea that the information provided is not comprehensive.

Is it better to provide "sparse details" or comprehensive information?

Whether "sparse details" are appropriate depends on the context and purpose. If brevity is needed, "sparse details" may suffice. However, for clarity and thorough understanding, more comprehensive information is generally preferable, but avoid to add unecessary details.