although scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding the availability or presence of something. Example: "The resources were valuable, although scarce, making them highly sought after."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Although scarce, the available user's acceptability studies show promising results.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Although scarce in Lake Michigan, there were up to 80 larvae per 1000 cubic meters of water in Lake Erie, the pair reports in the current issue of the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

Science Magazine

Finally, although scarce, direct interactions between MCM2 and ASF1 are observed in the quaternary complex: the guanidine group of Arg118 of MCM2 forms a hydrogen bond with the hydroxyl group of Asn152 of ASF1; and weaker interactions between Gln104 and Asn152 of ASF1 and Arg118 and Glu111 of MCM2, respectively (Fig. 1F).

Protein & Cell

The total population is unknown, but the bird is described as generally common, although scarce in Botswana and Namibia.

Wikipedia

Evidence of plants, although scarce, include cycads and conifers while animals found include a large number of insects, small lizards, pterosaurs, and Compsognathus.

Wikipedia

Although scarce data distort the analysis with MPT models, this is not a disadvantage of the study.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Although the scarce number of samples was analyzed by PCR, no cases of CT were identified.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Although only scarce data are available in the literature, patent pulmonary involvement has been associated with poor survival in patients with CV [28].

Annals of Intensive Care

Although still scarce, some phylogenomic studies of EMC involved in major eukaryotic processes have suggested that LECA was already a highly complex and modern-like eukaryotic cell.

Plosone

In the G2-class line A549, (Figure 8A) PLK1-high cells tracked with the 4N-G2/M population at 12 h and 24 h after XL888 addition, while the PLK1-low cells (although extremely scarce) tracked with 2N-G1.

Plosone

This staining pattern was almost entirely absent from MGL−/− sections, although a scarce residual background stain was still visible.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "although scarce", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what exists despite its limited availability. Clarity in this contrast enhances the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "although scarce" when there is absolutely nothing available. The phrase implies that something exists, even if in a limited quantity or frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although scarce" functions as a conjunctional phrase, introducing a contrasting element to a statement. Ludwig AI suggests it's used to acknowledge limitations while still affirming the existence or impact of something. It sets up a contrast, indicating that something is present or relevant despite its limited availability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although scarce" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast, acknowledging a limitation while affirming the existence or impact of something. It is considered grammatically correct and frequently appears in science, news, and encyclopedia sources. Ludwig AI confirms its role in setting up a contrast and qualifying statements. Its usage is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for written and academic contexts. Remember to use it when something exists in a limited quantity or with limited data, and ensure the main clause clearly states what exists despite the scarcity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though limited

Emphasizes the limitation more directly, while still acknowledging the presence of something.

albeit limited

A concise way to express that something exists, but is restricted in some way.

despite being rare

Highlights the rarity of something, contrasting it with another fact or situation.

even if infrequent

Focuses on the lack of frequency, creating a contrast.

despite the limited data

Emphasizes that something is happening even though the information is restricted.

in spite of its rarity

Highlights the unlikelihood of an occurrence because of its infrequency.

notwithstanding its paucity

A more formal way to express that something exists despite being limited in quantity.

though in short supply

Highlights the limited supply of something, while acknowledging its existence.

while being deficient

Focuses on the deficiency or lack of something, even if it is present to some extent.

even if in small quantities

Specifies the small amount or number of something, despite its presence.

FAQs

How can I use "although scarce" in a sentence?

Use "although scarce" to introduce a fact that contrasts with the limited availability or quantity of something. For example, "Although data is scarce, some studies suggest..."

What phrases are similar to "although scarce"?

Alternatives include "even though limited", "despite being rare", or "albeit limited", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "although scarce" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "although scarce" as it introduces a contrasting idea. Ensure the main clause clearly states what exists despite the scarcity.

What's the difference between "although scarce" and "even though rare"?

While both phrases indicate something is limited, "although scarce" implies there's some availability, whereas "even though rare" emphasizes infrequency. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on limited quantity or infrequency of occurrence.