are in short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in short" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to summarize or condense information, often preceding a brief statement or conclusion. Example: "The results of the study, in short, indicate a significant improvement in patient outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Details are in short supply.

The New York Times

Both are in short supply.

The Guardian

They are in short supply.

The Economist

Buyers are in short supply.

The Economist

Vaccines are in short supply.

The Economist

Laces are in short supply.

The New York Times

Masterpieces are in short supply.

The New York Times

Pedestrians are in short supply.

The New York Times

Such individuals are in short supply, however.

The Economist

But growth engines are in short supply.

The Economist

Many drugs are in short supply.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are in short" to succinctly indicate scarcity or limited availability of resources or items. It's particularly effective in contexts where you want to highlight a shortage without lengthy explanations.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "are in short" can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "scarce" or "limited supply" to maintain a professional tone, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in short" typically functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a deficiency or scarcity of something. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's used to highlight situations where resources, items, or even abstract concepts are limited or lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are in short" is a common and grammatically sound way to express scarcity or limited availability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to inform audiences about shortages of resources, skills, or other essential elements. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "limited availability" or "scarce resources" in academic or highly professional settings to maintain an elevated tone. Remember to adapt your language to best suit your specific audience and writing style. The most common error is its overuse, and it is better to switch to synonyms to ensure text quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short supply

This is a very close synonym, simply reordering the words for a slightly different emphasis.

in limited supply

This phrase highlights the restriction on the amount available, similar to the original but more descriptive.

scarce

This single word offers a direct synonym focusing on the limited availability of something.

limited

Focuses on the restricted quantity or extent of something, emphasizing a defined boundary.

running low

This suggests a depletion of resources, indicating that the supply is diminishing.

not abundant

This uses a negative construction to indicate scarcity by saying what something is not.

few and far between

This idiom emphasizes the rarity and infrequency of something.

in a nutshell

This idiom denotes a very brief and comprehensive summary, suitable for quick understanding.

in summary

This phrase indicates a concise overview, similar to 'to summarize' but slightly more formal.

to summarize

This phrase introduces a condensed version of information, focusing on brevity.

FAQs

How can I use "are in short" in a sentence?

You can use "are in short" to describe a limited supply of something. For example, "Vaccines "are in short supply"" or "Qualified teachers "are in short supply", however."

What's a more formal alternative to "are in short"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "limited availability" or "scarce resources" depending on the context. These options often suit professional or academic writing better.

Is it always necessary to use "are" with "in short supply"?

Yes, "are" is essential when referring to plural nouns or concepts. For singular subjects, use "is in short supply". For instance, "Water "is in short supply"" during a drought.

Can I use "are in short" to summarize information?

While less common, you can use "are, in short," to introduce a concise summary of a longer explanation. However, phrases like "in summary" or "to summarize" are generally preferred for summarizing information.