available in small quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "available in small quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the limited availability of a product or resource. Example: "This rare book is available in small quantities, so be sure to order yours soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As an example, MgO powder with a purity of 98% is available in small quantities for $32/kg.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Although it was announced way back in 2004, it's just now becoming available in small quantities and should be plentiful very soon.

TechCrunch

The members-only flash sales site launched a year ago to give consumers access to high-quality, curated wines, made available in small quantities and limited runs.

TechCrunch

Obviously modeled after success stories Vente-Privée.com and Gilt Groupe, the goal is provide Lot18 members with access to high-quality wines, made available in small quantities and limited runs.

TechCrunch

Recombinant proteins used in R&D are often precious, produced in low yield and available in small quantities and may be difficult to concentrate due to aggregation, precipitation or loss on columns or membranes.

EJNMMI Research

Historically there have been things that are available in small quantities at a very high price and things that are available in very large quantities at a small price, I guess we have a number of technical innovations, business model innovations, advantageous relationships which allowed us to start small but start cheap.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In that case, less amount of compounds is needed for the test, which is a big advantage especially when the compounds to be tested are only available in small quantity as they are difficult to be synthesized or extracted.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Initially available as a variant of the Galaxy Note 4, the Galaxy Note Edge was available in smaller quantities while the main phablet line continued.

Forbes

Some users reported crack was being made available in smaller quantities, with one referring to "pocket money prices", such as £5 per rock.

BBC

In the past, the substance has been extracted directly from plants, and was available only in small quantities.

The Economist

This print tribute to Ms. Lohan, called Lindzine, reignited my obsession with zines — mini-magazines that are generally made by hand and are available only in small quantities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "available in small quantities", consider adding context about why the item is scarce, such as limited production, rare ingredients, or high demand. This provides a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "available in small quantities" when the item is merely difficult to find, not inherently limited in supply. For example, don't say a common grocery item is "available in small quantities" just because one store is out of stock.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "available in small quantities" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the item is not plentiful. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "available in small quantities" is a versatile phrase used to describe items that are not abundant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general information. While suitable for formal and informal settings, related phrases like "scarce in supply" or "limited in stock" might be preferred for specific nuances. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to clarify the reasons for the limited availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short supply

A common expression indicating that the item is not readily available or abundant.

scarce in supply

Emphasizes the limited supply or deficiency of the item.

restricted in quantity

Directly states that the quantity of the item is limited or restricted.

limited in stock

Focuses on the restricted amount of the item that is currently available for purchase.

accessible in limited amounts

Highlights that the item is accessible but only in restricted quantities.

produced in limited runs

Highlights the small production batches of the item, especially in manufacturing contexts.

offered in limited amounts

Focuses on the action of offering the item, but only in restricted quantities.

sparingly available

Emphasizes the limited and infrequent availability of the item.

rarely obtainable

Indicates the difficulty of acquiring the item due to its scarcity.

hard to come by

An informal way to express the difficulty in finding or acquiring the item.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "available in small quantities"?

Alternatives include "scarce in supply", "limited in stock", or "in short supply", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is "available in small quantities"?

It signifies that the item is not abundant and may be difficult to obtain due to limited production, high demand, or scarcity of resources.

Is it appropriate to use "available in small quantities" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, business, or news contexts. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "accessible in limited amounts" in highly formal settings.

What factors might cause a product to be "available in small quantities"?

Factors include limited production runs, scarcity of raw materials, complex manufacturing processes, or high demand that outstrips supply. For example, experimental drugs are often "available in small quantities" due to the time and resources required for production.