sparse notes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparse notes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe notes that are minimal or lacking in detail, often in academic or professional contexts. Example: "The lecture was interesting, but my sparse notes made it difficult to recall the key points later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Twain's sparse notes do contain some fairy-tale-style moralizing Johnny is warned that the magic seeds he's given will only flower if he can "tend to them constantly, and keep a pure heart" and "avoid complainings," for instance.

The New Yorker

Alas, there is no such help in this volume; the fairly sparse notes at the back do little more than point to well-known landmarks, and the reader keen to resolve lexical puzzles has to go elsewhere, to commentary by other scholars.

The New Yorker

When you do challenge the ticket, the officer's sparse notes will make him want to skip the hearing.

WikiHow

Even if he does come to the hearing, his sparse notes and memory will help the judge decide in your favor.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Furst appears to be moving toward the aesthetic of certain musicians -- Miles Davis and Charlie Watts spring to mind -- the people who make every sparse note count and whose muted control throws into relief their sudden bursts of lyricism.

The New York Times - Books

Graduation opens on a sparse note with "Good Morning", beginning with an echoed, metronomic cowbell beat and a thumping bassline melded with a simple, arpeggiating synthesizer drone.

Wikipedia

The sparse medical notes do not lead to a definitive diagnosis, but a close analysis of her work suggests to biographers such as Lyndall Gordon that the "It" at the centre of a number of Dickinson's poems is epilepsy.

The Guardian - Books

The orchestral arrangements — by Nico Muhly, Maxim Moston and the orchestra's conductor, Rob Moose — were almost tidal, often building from a few sparse piano notes to panoramic chordal crests, or working through stormy transformations.

The New York Times - Arts

Data on GOF risks are often sparse, it notes, and some analyses may "obscure significant risks associated with GOF studies".

Science Magazine

Using a smart phone image recognition technology that Brulé and co-founder Cédric Deltheil have been developing for 4 years, the sparse Moodstocks Notes iPhone app allows you to check into objects like books, CDs, posters, flyers and wine labels by taking a photo, like Sticky Bits except without the barcodes.

TechCrunch

We bought one called North vs. Midlands: Dirty Bass, which according to the sparse liner notes was recorded at the Mint Club in Leeds a couple of months ago.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When taking notes, focus on capturing key concepts and essential details, even if your notes appear "sparse". Prioritize clarity and conciseness over quantity.

Common error

Don't assume that your "sparse notes" will be sufficient for later recall. Supplement them with additional resources or memory aids to ensure comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse notes" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "notes" to indicate their lack of detail or comprehensiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sparse notes" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that describes notes lacking in detail. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news, wikis, and scientific sources. While not extremely common, it's a valuable descriptor, especially when discussing the nature or limitations of collected information. When using "sparse notes", consider supplementing them with additional details for better understanding and recall. Be mindful of using alternatives like "minimal notes" or "brief notes" based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal notes

Uses "minimal" instead of "sparse", suggesting a bare minimum of information.

brief notes

Replaces "sparse" with "brief", indicating a short or concise set of notes.

scant notes

Uses "scant" instead of "sparse", emphasizing the limited amount of information.

limited notes

Replaces "sparse" with "limited", highlighting the restricted nature of the notes.

fragmentary notes

Uses "fragmentary" instead of "sparse", suggesting the notes are incomplete or disjointed.

sketchy notes

Replaces "sparse" with "sketchy", implying a lack of thoroughness in the notes.

cursory notes

Uses "cursory" instead of "sparse", indicating a superficial or hasty set of notes.

meager notes

Replaces "sparse" with "meager", emphasizing the insufficiency of the notes.

thin notes

Uses "thin" instead of "sparse", suggesting the notes lack substance or detail.

underdeveloped notes

Replaces "sparse" with "underdeveloped", implying the notes are incomplete and require further elaboration.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sparse notes" in my studies?

Focus on capturing the core ideas and key takeaways. Review and expand upon these notes shortly after taking them to reinforce your understanding.

What are some strategies for expanding on "sparse notes"?

Use techniques like mind mapping, summarizing, or elaborating on key points with examples to build a more comprehensive record.

What can I say instead of "sparse notes"?

You can use alternatives like "minimal notes", "brief notes", or "scant notes", depending on the context.

How do "sparse notes" compare to detailed notes?

"Sparse notes" prioritize brevity and conciseness, while detailed notes aim for comprehensive coverage. Choose the method that best suits your learning style and the subject matter.