there is scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is scant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there is very little of something. For example, "There is scant evidence to suggest that his explanation is true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until then, there is scant funding.

The Washington Post

Today there is scant tire manufacturing in the city.

The New York Times

In a play where subtext abounds, there is scant complexity.

The New York Times

Yet there is scant evidence to support that belief.

The New York Times

Yet there is scant evidence that criminalising promiscuity limits it.

The Economist

Today, there is scant market dissatisfaction with Bewkes.

The New Yorker

Despite such anecdotes, there is scant hard data.

The New York Times

Judged in this way, there is scant cause for optimism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without that change, there is scant hope of success.

The New Yorker

Yet there is scant evidence supporting the link between video games and creativity.

Video Games and Creativity

Most important, there is scant evidence of inflationary pressure.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is scant" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when describing a lack of something, particularly in analytical or critical writing. For example, "There is scant evidence to support the claim."

Common error

Avoid using "there is scant" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday contexts; simpler alternatives like "there's little" or "there isn't much" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is scant" functions as an existential clause that introduces the idea that something exists in a meager or insufficient quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, and its function is to highlight the scarcity of a particular item or concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is scant" is a grammatically correct and formal way to express that something exists in a small or insufficient quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its usage is most common in news, science, and academic contexts. While effective for analytical and critical writing, be mindful of its formality and consider simpler alternatives in casual contexts. Related phrases like "there is little" or "there is limited" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is little

Replaces "scant" with "little", indicating a small amount. It's a more common and less formal alternative.

there is limited

Substitutes "scant" with "limited", suggesting a restricted or finite quantity.

there is minimal

Replaces "scant" with "minimal", emphasizing the extremely small quantity or degree of something.

there is a shortage of

Indicates a deficiency or lack of something, shifting the focus to the resulting problem of not having enough.

there is a dearth of

Uses "dearth" instead of "scant", implying a scarcity, often in a more formal or literary context.

there is a paucity of

Similar to "dearth", "paucity" suggests a lack or insufficient quantity, often used in formal writing.

there is a lack of

A more straightforward way of expressing that something is missing or insufficient.

there is hardly any

Emphasizes the minimal existence of something, making it close to non-existent.

there is a trickle of

Suggests a very small and slow supply or amount of something, like a slow stream.

there is a fragment of

Suggests there is something partially available or existing.

FAQs

How can I use "there is scant" in a sentence?

The phrase "there is scant" is used to indicate that there is very little of something. For example, you could say, "There is scant evidence to support that claim."

What are some alternatives to "there is scant"?

You can use alternatives like "there is little", "there is limited", or "there is minimal" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "there is scant" in academic writing?

While "there is scant" is generally acceptable in academic writing due to its formal tone, consider whether a simpler phrase like "there is little" would be clearer and more direct for your audience. Clarity should always be prioritized.

What's the difference between "there is scant" and "there is limited"?

"There is scant" suggests a smaller quantity than "there is limited". While both indicate a lack, "there is scant" implies the amount is barely sufficient or almost non-existent, whereas "there is limited" suggests a restriction or finite quantity that may still be somewhat substantial.