sparse of

USAGE SUMMARY

"sparse of" is not a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You cannot use it. If you want to express the idea of something being limited or few in number, you could say something like "the sparse population of the area" or "a sparse selection of snacks".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

However, tide gauges are sparse, of questionable quality, and occasionally contradictory in their sea-level estimates.

Advances in Space Research

Weak links at Voila! were almost non-existent, though we did find the butterflied Cornish game hen (grilled nicely with herbs) so skinny and sparse of meat it might have run a marathon.

The New York Times

As Atlas, being a biographer, knows perfectly well, the past is as thick with mediocrity and sparse of promise as the present; it's just that the forgettable has been forgotten, and the memorable immortalized.

The New York Times - Books

The results indicate that inhomogeneous distribution of polymer and sulfur is closely related and the dense part of polymer corresponds to the part being sparse of sulfur.

Polymer

The Yankees took the field with a lineup so sparse of stars that before the game a local television reporter asked Girardi if he felt sympathy for local fans who might have purchased tickets months ago still expecting to see a lineup that included Jeter, Rodriguez, Teixeira and Granderson.

The New York Times - Sports

Because of sparse of observations, the exact start date of the eruption is unknown.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They compete at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn in front of sparse crowds of mostly friends and family.

The New York Times - Sports

Alcohol attributable fractions were stratified by sex but not by country because of sparse numbers of cases in some countries.

British Medical Journal

Its force derives from her ability to generate emotion by the sparsest of means.

The Guardian

Against the sparsest of guitars, Zarriello draws out its territory, spans its circumference and its strength.

The Guardian - Music

As a portrait of male friendship, it is closer to documentary than drama, delving beneath the topsoil of mid-life ennui via the sparsest of exchanges.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "sparse of" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "lacking in", "scarce in", or "a sparse amount of" for clearer and more professional communication.

Common error

A common mistake is using the phrase "sparse of" when you intend to describe something that is not abundant. Instead, use established phrases such as "sparse amount of", "lack of", or "scarcity of" to avoid grammatical errors and improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse of" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to describe a state of deficiency or scarcity. While it appears in various sources, as shown by Ludwig, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Correct usage typically involves using "sparse" as an adjective modifying a noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Wiki

3.3333333333333335%

Formal & Business

3.3333333333333335%

Social Media

3.3333333333333335%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sparse of" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, suggesting that alternative phrases like "lacking in", "scarce in", or "sparse amount of" are more appropriate. When aiming for clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, it's best to avoid "sparse of" and opt for established alternatives. Remember that "sparse" should generally be used as an adjective modifying a noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in

Focuses on the absence of something, implying a deficiency.

deficient in

Emphasizes a more pronounced lack or inadequacy.

scarce in

Highlights the rarity and limited availability of something.

devoid of

Indicates a complete absence of something.

short on

Suggests a limited quantity or supply of something.

limited in

Implies restrictions or constraints on the amount or extent of something.

wanting in

Emphasizes a deficiency or lack of a necessary quality.

thinly populated

Specifically refers to a low density of people in a given area.

poor in

Indicates a lack of resources or qualities.

meager in

Suggests a small or inadequate amount.

FAQs

Is "sparse of" grammatically correct?

No, "sparse of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use phrases like "sparse amount of", "lack of", or "scarcity of" instead.

What are some alternatives to "sparse of"?

Alternatives include "lacking in", "scarce in", "deficient in", or using "sparse" with a different preposition or construction, such as "a sparse population".

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

Use "sparse" as an adjective to describe something that is thinly distributed or not abundant. For example, "The area has a sparse population" or "The data was sparse and incomplete."

What is the difference between "sparse" and "scarce"?

"Sparse" implies that something is thinly distributed or spread out, while "scarce" implies that something is rare or in short supply. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "sparse" often relates to distribution, and "scarce" relates to availability.