there is scant documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is scant documentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is very little available information or records on a particular subject or topic. Example: "In researching the historical event, I found that there is scant documentation available, making it difficult to draw conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There are few surviving objects or dwellings, and aside from important oral histories, there is scant documentation from slaves themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet there is scant evidence to support that belief.

The New York Times

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 that criminalising promiscuity limits it.

The Economist

Today, there is scant market dissatisfaction with Bewkes.

The New Yorker

Without that change, there is scant hope of success.

The New Yorker

While there is scant HRIS documentation in the grey literature, HRIS scientific literature published in peer reviewed journals are even rarer.

Human Resources for Health

When he was done, there was scant applause.

The New York Times

(Though, to be honest, there was scant competition).

The New York Times - Arts

In the past there was scant interest.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is scant documentation" when you want to emphasize the lack of information as a significant obstacle or limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "there is scant documentation" if some information exists. Instead, use a phrase that acknowledges the presence of documentation, but indicates that it is incomplete or unreliable.

Linguistic Context

"There is scant documentation" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight the limited availability of records or information on a particular subject. The phrase is used to set the stage for acknowledging potential challenges in research or analysis due to this lack of information. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is scant documentation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate a lack of available records or information on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it sets the stage by highlighting the scarcity of the information. While mostly used in neutral contexts like news, media and science, understanding how to use this phrase, and its alternatives, enhances clarity. Remember to not exaggerate the scarcity and to use appropriate language reflecting the documentation's real availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

documentation is limited

Focuses on the limited aspect of the records.

available information is limited

Similar to "documentation is limited" but emphasizes availability.

records are sparse

Emphasizes the scarcity of records.

information is scarce

Highlights the lack of available data.

evidence is minimal

Shifts the focus to the lack of supporting evidence.

insufficient documentation is available

Formal tone stressing inadequacy of existing documentation.

data is lacking

Directly states the absence of sufficient data.

few documents exist

Highlights the limited quantity of documents.

the record is incomplete

Suggests that the existing records are not comprehensive.

the documentation is spotty

Suggests documentation is inconsistent and unreliable.

FAQs

What does "there is scant documentation" mean?

The phrase "there is scant documentation" means that very little information or records are available on a particular topic. It indicates a lack of sufficient evidence or data.

What can I say instead of "there is scant documentation"?

You can use alternatives like "documentation is limited", "records are sparse", or "information is scarce" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "there is scant documentation" or "there is little documentation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "there is scant documentation" might suggest an even greater scarcity than "there is little documentation". The best choice depends on the degree of scarcity you want to emphasize.

How do I use "there is scant documentation" in a sentence?

You can use "there is scant documentation" to introduce a statement about the difficulty of finding information or evidence. For example: "In researching the historical event, there is scant documentation available, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions."