comparatively scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

"comparatively scarce" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is less abundant or available compared to similar things. Example: "In the small town, fresh produce was comparatively scarce, as the nearest grocery store was over an hour's drive away."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

36 At a national level, resources were inequitably distributed and provision for migrants was comparatively scarce compared to those for the general population.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Palaeoecological records are comparatively scarce, but they can provide relevant information on these subjects.

Quaternary Science Reviews

The discussion focuses on the possible prospects, so far comparatively scarce, for device design.

Microelectronics Journal

However, research for vertical downward two-phase flow, especially of the interfacial characteristics, are comparatively scarce.

Chemical Engineering Science

Yet molecular studies on the mechanism of the SBDP formation are comparatively scarce.

Brain Research

A second issue is that uranium is a comparatively scarce material, which exists in significant quantities in only a small number of countries.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Here, slow-moving ice resulted in a relatively scarce release of subglacial debris at the shelf edge and the continental slope was subject to enhanced erosion and degradation with a comparatively higher production of relatively fine-grained turbidite flows.

Marine Geology

Statistical analyses, in which uncertainty is introduced, are comparatively very scarce.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

In cities, by contrast, rates of violent gun crime are comparatively high, and opportunities for recreational gun use are scarce.

Duke University

Comparatively, the availability of p-type TSO materials is more scarce and the available materials are less mature.

Thin Solid Films

Comparatively well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparatively scarce", ensure you clearly define what you are comparing it to. This provides context and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively scarce" in overly simple sentences where a simpler word like "rare" or "limited" would suffice. Choose the most concise and impactful wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively scarce" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to indicate its limited availability relative to something else. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and provides examples of its use in context. It describes a state of deficiency when contrasted with another quantity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparatively scarce" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is less abundant than something else, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to express a limited availability relative to a point of comparison. While suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, it is most frequently found in scientific, academic, and news reporting. It's important to ensure the comparison is clear to maximize the phrase's impact, while avoiding its overuse in simple sentences. Alternatives like "relatively limited" or "relatively rare" can be used to maintain a varied vocabulary. Understanding the phrase's usage and nuances is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively limited

Replaces "scarce" with "limited" and "comparatively" with "relatively", softening the comparison.

relatively sparse

Uses "sparse" as a synonym for scarce and maintains the comparative aspect with "relatively".

relatively rare

Focuses on the infrequency with "rare", using "relatively" for the comparative aspect.

noticeably infrequent

Uses "infrequent" to mean scarce and "noticeably" to indicate the comparison is evident.

notably uncommon

Replaces 'scarce' with 'uncommon' indicating a less common occurrence.

markedly insufficient

Emphasizes the inadequacy using "insufficient" and highlights the degree with "markedly".

proportionately less common

More formally describes the lower frequency using "proportionately less common".

somewhat deficient

Indicates a slight lack or shortage using "deficient" and "somewhat".

comparatively in short supply

The alternative uses a more descriptive way of expressing scarcity, 'in short supply'.

comparatively restricted

Instead of scarce, the word restricted denotes some limitation of availability.

FAQs

How do I use "comparatively scarce" in a sentence?

"Comparatively scarce" is used to indicate that something is less abundant when compared to something else. For example, "Data on this topic is "comparatively scarce" compared to other areas of research".

What's a good substitute for "comparatively scarce"?

Alternatives include "relatively limited", "relatively rare", or "noticeably infrequent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "comparatively scarce" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "comparatively scarce" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is often found in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.

Which is more accurate, "comparatively scarce" or "relatively scarce"?

Both "comparatively scarce" and "relatively scarce" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "comparatively" might suggest a more deliberate comparison.