a paucity of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paucity of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack of sufficient time to complete a task or activity. Example: "Due to a paucity of time, we were unable to thoroughly review all the proposals before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinicians do not routinely seek laboratory confirmation for several reasons: diagnosis will often not alter patient management, a paucity of real-time, accurate, inexpensive testing methods [4] and because influenza is not recognized as the etiology of the clinical presentation[5].

Plosone

There is a paucity of careful time-course studies published that collect serial/daily blood data over 2 3 weeks or more.

Cancer Management and Research

There is a paucity of sufficiently long time series of high-quality cancer data in many developing areas at the present time, but nonetheless, where they are available, increases in breast cancer incidence and mortality are seen, an observation often more apparent within recent birth cohorts [ 45], and a probable consequence of the adoption of western lifestyles [ 46].

Breast Cancer Research

For teachers and students alike, the result is a paucity of sustained instructional time.

University of Chicago

In a world that suffers often from a paucity of leadership, the time is now for business leaders to step up and take action.

Huffington Post

However, there is a paucity of data on time trends in healthcare use due to ADR.[26] Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide accurate data on trends in ADR-related hospitalization in older patients over the last decades.

Plosone

There is a paucity of data on time to discharge.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The success of the Manhattan store has not deterred online critics from complaining about overcrowding, its noisy theme-park ambience and a paucity of service at times; one blogger complained that some of its groceries are "insanely overpriced".

The New York Times - Food

Although several studies analyzed the influence of whole blood donation on endurance performance, there is a paucity of data reporting the time necessary to fully recover.

Sports Medicine - Open

Donaldson admits to a paucity of knowledge (at the time that he was writing) regarding Robert's reign and accepts that the early chroniclers writing near to his reign found little to criticise.

Wikipedia

There was a paucity of data over the time of establishment of PMMSS in most provinces.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a paucity of time" to add a touch of sophistication to your writing, especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "a paucity of time" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound pretentious. Opt for more straightforward alternatives like "not enough time" or "limited time" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paucity of time" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the state of having very little time available. Though Ludwig provides examples of the phrase in use, it is not as common as its alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paucity of time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that there is a limited amount of time available. While considered correct and usable, as supported by Ludwig, it carries a formal tone and is not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "a lack of time" or "limited time". Therefore, it’s best suited for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where a more sophisticated expression is desired. Due to the formal register, avoid using it in casual conversations. Ludwig's examples show that the phrase is appropriate, but its infrequent use suggests considering the audience and context before employing it. When writing, remember that choosing a clearer, more common alternative might improve communication, especially in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scarcity of time

Replaces "paucity" with "scarcity", offering a slightly less formal synonym while maintaining the same structure.

a dearth of time

Uses "dearth" as a synonym for "paucity", maintaining a formal tone.

a shortage of time

Substitutes "paucity" with "shortage", making the phrase more common and easier to understand.

a lack of time

Uses "lack" instead of "paucity", resulting in a simpler and more direct expression.

limited time

Simplifies the phrase to an adjective-noun construction, reducing formality.

insufficient time

Emphasizes the inadequacy of time available, similar to "a paucity of time" but slightly more direct.

not enough time

An even more informal way of expressing that time is limited.

time constraints

Focuses on the limitations imposed by time, rather than the quantity of time itself.

time limitations

Highlights the restrictions associated with the available time.

a small amount of time

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the small quantity of time available.

FAQs

How can I use "a paucity of time" in a sentence?

You can use "a paucity of time" to describe situations where there is a limited amount of time available. For example, "Due to "a paucity of time", the project could not be completed to the highest standards."

What are some alternatives to "a paucity of time"?

Alternatives include "a lack of time", "limited time", or "insufficient time". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality.

Is "a paucity of time" formal or informal?

"A paucity of time" is considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "not enough time" or "a shortage of time" might be more appropriate.

When should I use "a paucity of time" over "a lack of time"?

Use "a paucity of time" when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your writing or speech. "A lack of time" is a more common and neutral alternative suitable for most situations.