there are scant data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there are scant data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limited amount of information or evidence available on a particular topic. Example: "In the field of rare diseases, there are scant data to support the effectiveness of the new treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Although numerous studies have been promising, there are scant data from randomized clinical trials.

The New York Times

The HKH region, home to 30percentt of the world's glaciers, has been called the "Third Pole". But there are scant data on these glaciers.

The Guardian

Although office-based laser surgery applications for benign and premalignant lesions of the larynx are appealing, there are scant data on their complications and failures.

Journal of Voice

Although, there are few studies about the analysis of opium alkaloids and opioids drugs in clinical biological samples (Wey and Thorman 2001; Whittington and Kharasch 2003; Saraji et al. 2011; Shamsipur and Fattahi 2011; Ranjbari et al. 2012; Ahmadi-Jouibari et al. 2013), but there are scant data about the analysis of opioids by DLLME-HPLC-PDA in postmortem urine samples.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Worldwide there are scant data on the overall prevalence of human AE.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Although there are increasing data supporting the role of TDI in clinical cardiology [ 12], there are scant data regarding its application to critical care.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Currently, though, in many areas of medicine there is scant data that compare competing strategies.

The New York Times - Health

Most experts in the Kilimanjaro debate accept three things: for more than a century, its ice has been in a retreat that is almost assuredly unstoppable and was not caused by humans; so far, there is scant data on conditions there; and the main scientific question now is how, and how much, climate shifts driven by heat-trapping emissions are accelerating that trend.

The New York Times - Science

As a result, there are tens of thousands of chemicals like the one at the heart of the West Virginia disaster that are in use, even though there is scant data available about their hazards.

Huffington Post

In this regard, there is scant data concerning PZ/ZPI inhibition of FX in gastric cancer tissue.

Annals of Hematology

There is scant data on how many children have such disabilities or how their lives are affected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there are scant data", clarify the specific area or subject to which the lack of data applies. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "scant" means a large amount. It signifies a small or insufficient quantity. Using it incorrectly can reverse your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are scant data" functions as an existential clause, asserting the limited existence of data on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is usable in written English and commonly used in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there are scant data" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a lack of sufficient information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that you clearly define the specific subject lacking sufficient data. While alternatives like "data are limited" or "evidence is scarce" exist, the original phrase remains a strong and effective choice for formal writing. Remember that "scant" signifies a small amount, so avoid misinterpreting it as meaning "significant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data are limited

Replaces "scant" with "limited", indicating a restriction in the amount of data available.

data are scarce

Substitutes "scant" with "scarce", emphasizing the rarity of available data.

data are sparse

Replaces "scant" with "sparse", suggesting that the data is thinly distributed or not comprehensive.

limited data are available

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the "limited" nature of the data, while maintaining the core meaning.

information is lacking

Shifts the focus to "information" and uses "lacking" to convey the absence of sufficient data.

evidence is limited

Focuses on "evidence" instead of "data", highlighting the limitation in supporting proof.

research is limited

Highlights the limitation on the amount of available research on a topic.

there's a dearth of data

Uses "dearth" to indicate a significant lack of data, adding a more formal tone.

knowledge is incomplete

Conveys that the existing knowledge base is not fully developed due to a lack of data.

few studies exist

Focuses on the limited number of studies conducted on the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "there are scant data" in a sentence?

Use "there are scant data" to indicate a lack of sufficient information or evidence on a particular topic. For example, "There are scant data on the long-term effects of this new medication".

What are some alternatives to saying "there are scant data"?

You can use alternatives like "data are limited", "data are scarce", or "information is lacking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "there is scant data" or "there are scant data"?

While "data" is technically the plural of "datum", it's often treated as uncountable in modern usage, making "there is scant data" acceptable. However, "there are scant data" is also correct and emphasizes the multiple data points, although few, which are available.

What does "scant" mean in the context of "there are scant data"?

In this context, "scant" means barely sufficient or minimal. Therefore, "there are scant data" indicates that there is very little data available.