sparse knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparse knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or insufficient understanding of a particular subject or topic. Example: "Despite his years of experience, he had only a sparse knowledge of the latest technologies in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Our extremely sparse knowledge of this pygmy-owl suggests that it is confined to lowland forest.

Cornell University

"Untold Story" establishes its main character with a handful of her familiar proclivities (bulimia) and phrases ("Thick as a plank, that's me").The book's real problem as alt-history lies in its sparse knowledge of history itself.

The New Yorker

So peculiar did Piero's fellow artists find his work that Giorgio Vasari, an art historian writing a couple of decades after his death, padded his sparse knowledge of the painter's life with a host of speculative eccentricities.

The Economist

With the increase in the number of FRP composite structural members being constructed currently and the sparse knowledge of the long-term property characteristics of composite materials, it is advantageous to monitor the performance of such structures with time.

Durability of Composites for Civil Structural Applications

There is sparse knowledge of why prisoners seek help for health problems [ 14].

BMC Health Services Research

The strengths of this study include the large population size and the lengthy follow-up, which provided the statistical power to improve upon sparse knowledge of the cancer risk faced by the opioid-dependent population.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There is sparse knowledge about the epidemiology of HZ in cancer patients, particularly among the elderly.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Specifically, there is sparse knowledge about the use and functionalities of health information technology in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and the relationship between quality improvements and the use of health information technology in FQHCs.

BMC Health Services Research

Although FCD is a common cause of epilepsy, there is sparse knowledge about the underlying pathomechanisms.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Sparse knowledge exists on how work-related factors influence this differential course of pain recovery.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The high number of candidate toxin genes we found is likely not specific to A. elegantissima or to acrorhagi, but reflects our next-generation sequencing approach and relatively sparse prior knowledge of genetic diversity of toxins in sea anemones.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the level of understanding in a specific field or discipline, use "sparse knowledge of" to accurately convey that information is limited or incomplete. For example, "There is a "sparse knowledge of" the long-term effects of this medication."

Common error

Avoid using "scarce" interchangeably with "sparse" when referring to knowledge. "Scarce" typically describes a limited quantity of a tangible resource, whereas "sparse" refers to something thinly distributed or not dense. Instead of saying "scarce knowledge", use "sparse knowledge of" or "limited knowledge of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse knowledge of" functions as a modifier describing the extent or degree of understanding or information available regarding a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sparse knowledge of" is a phrase used to describe a limited understanding or lack of information regarding a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct, with the existing data pointing towards its primary usage in scientific and academic contexts. While the phrase itself is not very common, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage is essential for accurate and effective communication, especially in fields requiring precision in describing the state of understanding such as in "Science", "News & Media" and "Academia". Remember to avoid using "scarce" in its place, as it carries a different connotation. Consider alternatives like "limited understanding of" or "scant awareness of" to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited understanding of

This alternative focuses on the comprehension aspect, suggesting a lack of complete grasp rather than the volume of knowledge.

scant awareness of

Replaces "knowledge" with "awareness" and "sparse" with "scant", emphasizing a minimal level of recognition or consciousness.

rudimentary grasp of

Indicates a basic, underdeveloped understanding, highlighting the early stage of learning or familiarity.

patchy familiarity with

Suggests an uneven and incomplete knowledge, where some areas are understood while others are not.

superficial acquaintance with

Emphasizes the lack of depth in understanding, implying a knowledge that is only skin-deep.

thin coverage of

Focuses on the extent of information available, implying that the subject matter has not been thoroughly explored or documented.

incomplete picture of

Suggests that the knowledge is not yet whole or comprehensive, implying missing pieces or gaps in understanding.

fragmentary information on

Highlights the scattered and disconnected nature of the knowledge, implying a lack of coherence or structure.

tenuous understanding of

Suggests a weak and uncertain grasp of the subject, implying a lack of confidence or certainty.

basic insights into

Highlights the limited understanding on a subject, as well as the simple level of the insights available.

FAQs

How can I use "sparse knowledge of" in a sentence?

Use "sparse knowledge of" to indicate a limited or incomplete understanding of a particular subject. For example: "Our "sparse knowledge of" this ancient civilization makes it difficult to understand their customs."

What are some alternatives to "sparse knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "limited understanding of", "scant awareness of", or "rudimentary grasp of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sparse knowledge about" or "sparse knowledge of"?

"Sparse knowledge of" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound. "Sparse knowledge about" is also acceptable, but less common in formal writing.

What does it mean when someone says there is "sparse knowledge" on a topic?

It means that there is not much information or understanding available about that topic. The research might be preliminary, the data limited, or the subject inherently complex and difficult to study.