are scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in short supply or not easily found. Example: "Resources such as clean water and arable land are scarce in many parts of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insurance policies are scarce.

The New York Times

Jobs are scarce.

The Economist

Key resources are scarce.

The Economist

Buses are scarce.

The Economist

Good sites are scarce.

The Economist

Tourists are scarce.

The New Yorker

Details are scarce.

The New York Times

Trained pilots are scarce.

The Economist

Bullfrogs are scarce in….

The New Yorker

Flying insects are scarce.

The New York Times

New jobs are scarce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are scarce" to describe situations where the lack of something is creating a notable challenge or impacting a system. For instance, "Opportunities for career advancement are scarce in this industry".

Common error

While "are scarce" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "are few" or "aren't many" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are scarce" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, indicating a limited quantity or availability of a particular noun. It contributes to defining the state or condition of the subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are scarce" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something is limited or difficult to obtain. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides many examples of its usage in various contexts. It's particularly common in news, science, and formal business settings. While acceptable in most contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversations. When writing, remember to use it when you want to emphasize the limited availability of something and the potential challenges that scarcity poses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are limited

Indicates a restriction in quantity or availability. Less specific than "are scarce".

are in short supply

Highlights the insufficient quantity to meet demand, emphasizing the lack of abundance.

are few and far between

Suggests both a small number and a wide distribution, implying difficulty in finding them.

are hard to come by

Focuses on the difficulty in obtaining or finding something, rather than simply its rarity.

are like gold dust

Emphasizes the high value and desirability due to scarcity. More figurative than "are scarce".

are thin on the ground

Indicates a low presence or availability in a particular area. More colloquial than "are scarce".

are at a premium

Highlights the increased value due to limited availability.

are seldom found

Emphasizes the infrequency of encountering or locating something.

are a rarity

Highlights the unusual or uncommon nature of something.

are like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme rarity, often used humorously.

FAQs

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

"Are scarce" indicates that something is limited or difficult to find. For instance, "Clean water resources "are scarce" in many desert regions".

What's a more formal way to say "are scarce"?

In formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "are limited", "are in short supply", or "are restricted".

What can I say instead of "are scarce" in informal contexts?

Informally, you can use phrases such as "are few", "aren't many", or "are hard to find".

Is it correct to say "is scarce" instead of "are scarce"?

The correct form depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. Use "is scarce" with a singular subject (e.g., "Water is scarce") and "are scarce" with a plural subject (e.g., "Resources are scarce").