thin on details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin on details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, explanation, or report that lacks sufficient information or specifics. Example: "The report was interesting, but it was quite thin on details regarding the project's budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The site is thin on details (it's literally one page with a title, chat stream and a sprinkling of text on the right hand side) but it does clarify that a "jib" is their term for chat room and it is most common in schools, universities and pubs.

TechCrunch

Defense officials declined to specify the nature of the accusations or to identify the accuser, but one senior officer characterized the accusations as "very thin on details".

The New York Times

The article was thin on details like what would constitute "excessive" and who would make that determination.

The New York Times

Though still thin on details, the shooting has raised questions about race and prompted calls for policing restructuring.

The Washington Post

The agreement between Washington and Brussels is preliminary and thin on details, and trade officials from developing nations were skeptical of its merits.

The New York Times

Conspicuous by his absence from the public discourse on Ray Rice's suspension over the previous week, the commissioner was quick to acknowledge his failings, but thin on details about what he planned to do next.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Characteristically thin on detail, it promised to "prevent politicians from meddling in the affairs of education".

The Guardian

I know this is a bit thin on detail, but you're not missing that much.

The Guardian - Sport

But her manifesto is thin on detail and May is no stranger to adopting contradictory rhetoric and positions.

The Guardian - Opinion

She also warned that the government's proposals at present were "full of holes" and "thin on detail".

The Guardian

As the IFS spells out, Labour's plan, though thin on detail, implies the sharpest cuts in spending on public services since the late 1970s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "thin on details" with more precise language to pinpoint the exact deficiency, such as "lacking budgetary information" or "missing key statistics".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "thin on details" without explaining what specific details are missing or why those details are important. Without context, the critique becomes vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin on details" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of specific information. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that doesn't offer sufficient elaboration or particulars. For example, a report might be described as "thin on details".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thin on details" is a useful phrase for describing something that lacks specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it serves to critique or evaluate the completeness of information. When using this phrase, remember to provide context by specifying the missing details for a more impactful and helpful critique. Alternatives such as "lacking in specifics" or "short on particulars" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Keep in mind that in highly formal contexts is preferable to use alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in specifics

Focuses on the absence of precise information rather than the degree of detail.

short on particulars

Emphasizes the brevity or deficiency in providing individual items or details.

light on information

Highlights the scarcity of data or knowledge conveyed.

vague and general

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision, focusing on broad statements.

sketchy on the facts

Suggests that the information provided is incomplete or unreliable.

deficient in elaboration

Points out the inadequacy in expanding on the topic or providing further explanation.

sparse with data

Emphasizes the limited amount of data available or presented.

meager in supporting evidence

Focuses on the insufficiency of proof or documentation to back up claims.

wanting in depth

Highlights the absence of profound or thorough analysis of the subject.

cursory in its account

Implies a superficial or hasty treatment of the narrative or description.

FAQs

How can I use "thin on details" in a sentence?

You can use "thin on details" to describe something lacking specific information. For example, "The initial report was "thin on details" about the environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to saying "thin on details"?

Alternatives include "lacking in specifics", "short on particulars", or "light on information", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thin on details" in formal writing?

While "thin on details" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "lacking in specifics" or "deficient in elaboration" might be preferable in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "thin on details" and "incomplete"?

"Incomplete" suggests that something is entirely missing, while "thin on details" indicates that some information is present, but it lacks depth or specificity. For example: if report is missing entirely then is incomplete, but if the report is there but does not have enough specifics it's "thin on details".