sparse provisions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparse provisions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where resources, supplies, or materials are limited or insufficient. Example: "The expedition faced numerous challenges due to the sparse provisions available for the journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On Monday, reporters were given a tour of parts of the compound, including a gym which the group had turned into a dorm-cum-pantry to store their tinned soup and other sparse provisions.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our role is very much about accessibility and availability in an area of sparse cultural provision," said Gilchrist.

The Guardian

He found the refugee camps to be overcrowded and provisions sparse, and so Mr. Matsumura decided to go home and check on his family's farm in Tomioka.

Huffington Post

Over at Bronzefield, a privatised prison run by Sodexo, the women say that provision is sparse.

Vice

The sparse arrangement, with little provision for lighting, has led to suggestions that it was used as stables, however there are no drains which are usually associated with stables.

Wikipedia

Building the sparse evidence base to inform improvements in current care provision is vital for a number of reasons.

BMC Palliative Care

Some studies investigated whether provider characteristics were associated with better informed patients e.g. [ 13, 14], but insight into what promotes or hinders information provision on the hospital level is still sparse.

BMC Health Services Research

Advantages of the Bayesian methods include the use of random effects to represent overdispersion, the availability of WinBUGS software for computation, and the provision of smoothed estimates of SMRs based on sparse data.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Despite the emphasis respondents placed on the provision of educational material and promotional campaigns, evidence of such proved comparatively sparse during the site visits.

BMC Health Services Research

It's that sparse.

The New York Times

A sparse classic.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sparse provisions" in contexts where the inadequacy of supplies directly impacts the narrative or the subjects involved, enhancing the sense of deprivation or hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "sparse provisions" when you simply mean that the provisions are organized minimally or are lightweight. "Sparse" refers to a real deficiency, not just an aesthetic or organizational choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparse provisions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sparse" modifies the noun "provisions". It describes the state of having a limited or insufficient amount of supplies. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sparse provisions" effectively communicates the idea of limited or inadequate supplies. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not highly frequent, it accurately describes situations where resources are scarce. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of scarcity rather than mere minimalism. Consider alternatives like "limited supplies" or "meager rations" to fine-tune the description. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various descriptive and narrative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited supplies

Focuses on the restriction in the amount of resources available.

meager rations

Specifically refers to a small or inadequate amount of food.

scant resources

Highlights the deficiency in available resources, emphasizing a lack.

thin provisions

Emphasizes the lack of abundance or fullness in the supplies.

inadequate supplies

Points out that the supplies are not sufficient for the need.

limited resources

Focuses on the overall constraint in the resources available.

scarce provisions

Indicates that provisions are rare or hard to find.

exiguous supplies

A more formal term for a very small or meager amount of supplies.

paltry rations

Describes rations as being insignificant or worthless.

deficient provisions

Highlights the lack of necessary elements or quantities in the provisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "sparse provisions" to describe situations where supplies are limited or scarce, such as "The explorers struggled to survive on the sparse provisions they had packed for the journey."

What are some synonyms for "sparse provisions"?

Alternatives to "sparse provisions" include "limited supplies", "meager rations", or "scant resources", each emphasizing a different aspect of scarcity.

In what contexts is "sparse provisions" most appropriately used?

"Sparse provisions" is best used in contexts discussing survival, hardship, or exploration, where the limited availability of supplies is a key factor. It adds a sense of realism and emphasizes the challenges faced due to lack of resources.

Is "sparse provisions" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sparse provisions" is neither highly formal nor overly informal; it fits well in news articles, descriptive narratives, or any context requiring a clear and somewhat descriptive term for limited supplies.