very sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is thinly distributed, lacking in quantity, or minimal in presence. Example: "The vegetation in the desert is very sparse, making it difficult for most animals to find food."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It would be very sparse," he said.

The New Yorker

Beautiful storytelling – really very sparse, but also elegant.

The Guardian

It feels historically preserved; it's very sparse and totally clean.

The New York Times

The streets are made of sand, and it's very sparse.

The New York Times

The young hatch bare or with very sparse down.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As we see it, the activity in the Harlem area itself is very sparse".

The New York Times

The ADF issues very sparse monthly reports on how it is going about this mission.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are hills, rivers and dense forests and the population is very sparse.

Independent

This material, very sparse and difficult to interpret, was not identified as Greek until 1952.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The compositional data is very sparse".

Science Magazine

Some of the labels are very sparse.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distributions or datasets, use "very sparse" to clearly indicate a low density of elements, ensuring readers grasp the data's nature quickly and accurately.

Common error

While "very sparse" is suitable for formal writing and scientific reports, consider using more descriptive and vivid language in informal contexts to enhance reader engagement. Alternatives such as "thin" or "scarce" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very sparse" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier. It is used to describe nouns, indicating that they are thinly distributed, lacking in quantity, or minimal in presence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very sparse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival modifier that indicates a high degree of sparseness or a lack of quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appropriate for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it serves to clearly and concisely describe entities or data that are thinly distributed or minimally present. When aiming for vivid descriptions in informal contexts, consider alternatives like "extremely scarce" or "remarkably thin". By understanding its function, purpose, and typical contexts, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "very sparse" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally rare

Underlines the infrequency of something's occurrence.

extremely scarce

Highlights the limited availability or supply.

relatively uncommon

Suggests that something is not frequently encountered.

unusually limited

Draws attention to the restricted or reduced nature.

highly infrequent

Emphasizes the rarity or uncommonness to a greater degree.

strikingly reduced

Highlights the considerable decrease or diminution.

noticeably scant

Suggests that the lack of something is easily observed.

particularly meager

Emphasizes the insufficiency or inadequacy.

remarkably thin

Focuses on the lack of density or thickness.

quite deficient

Indicates a significant lack or shortage.

FAQs

How can I use "very sparse" in a sentence?

You can use "very sparse" to describe something that is thinly distributed or lacking in quantity. For example: "The vegetation in the desert is "very sparse", making it difficult for animals to find food."

What are some alternatives to "very sparse"?

Alternatives include "extremely scarce", "highly infrequent", or "remarkably thin", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very sparse"?

Yes, "very sparse" is grammatically correct. The adverb "very" modifies the adjective "sparse", indicating a high degree of sparseness.

What's the difference between "sparse" and "very sparse"?

"Sparse" means thinly distributed or lacking in density. Adding "very" intensifies this meaning, indicating an even greater degree of thinness or lack. Therefore, "very sparse" implies a higher degree of sparseness compared to just sparse.