there is scant data

USAGE SUMMARY

"there is scant data" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that there is very little or insufficient information available. For example, "After conducting the survey, we found that there is scant data to support our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 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

While there is scant data on how many businesses are selling mindfulness, a browse through an app store yields hundreds of results.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is scant data", be specific about the area or subject to which the lack of data applies to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the implications of the lack of data. While "there is scant data" suggests a limitation, it does not necessarily mean the topic is entirely unknown or irrelevant. Clearly articulate the specific gaps in knowledge without overstating the consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is scant data" functions as an existential clause indicating the limited availability of information or evidence on a particular subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is scant data" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a lack of sufficient information or evidence on a specific topic. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and fit for written English. It is commonly used in scientific and journalistic contexts to highlight gaps in knowledge and the need for further research. While "there is scant data" indicates limited information, it is important not to overstate the implications or suggest a complete absence of knowledge. Alternatives like ""there is limited information"" or ""data is scarce"" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the area to which the lack of data applies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is limited information

Focuses on the restriction of available information, rather than a complete absence.

data is scarce

Emphasizes the rarity of data, using a more concise structure.

there is a paucity of data

Uses "paucity" for a more formal and emphatic declaration of lacking data.

information is lacking

Directly states the absence of sufficient information.

evidence is thin

Suggests that the existing evidence is weak and unconvincing.

the data are incomplete

Highlights the unfinished or partial nature of the existing data.

there's a dearth of data

Uses "dearth" to indicate a severe lack or shortage of data.

few data exist

A more direct and concise way to state the limited existence of data.

data are minimal

Indicates the data is at the lowest quantity level possible.

data is conspicuous by its absence

A more figurative way to emphasize the notable absence of data.

FAQs

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

You can use "there is scant data" to indicate a lack of sufficient information on a particular topic. For example, "There is scant data on the long-term effects of this new medication."

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

Alternatives include "there is limited information", "data is scarce", or "evidence is thin". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

While "data" is technically plural, it is often used as a non-count noun in modern English. Therefore, "there is scant data" is generally considered more acceptable and common.

How does "there is scant data" differ from "there is no data"?

"There is scant data" implies that some data exists, but it is limited or insufficient. "There is no data" indicates a complete absence of any information on the topic.