get scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone becomes less available or harder to find. Example: "As the deadline approached, resources began to get scarce, making it difficult to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"And as dollars get scarce, it forces a tremendous amount of scrutiny".

The New York Times

Pumpkins still fill pies and flavor a few autumnal beers, but they get scarce attention as versatile, savory vegetables.

The New York Times - Food

When show resources get scarce and the economics no longer make sense for smaller brands to strike out on their own, mergers and alliances should start to form.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Scholars trace the unusual program, now costing $40 billion a year, to a 1962 Life magazine article titled "They Decide Who Lives, Who Dies," about laymen at a Seattle hospital who judged which patients would get scarce treatment on the first "artificial kidney machine".

The New York Times

"In an environment where economies around the world are slowing, growth is starting to get scarce," said Thomas Huber, a portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price, "and interest rates are so low, it makes sense to focus on companies that can grow their dividends over time".

The New York Times

Such a signaling system would have offered an evolutionary advantage, Koch adds, because it would allow a group of cells to send a long-distance signal to prioritize which cells get scarce resources.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Opium will get scarcer, the price will get higher.

The New York Times

As boats get scarcer, ever more people are forced onto each of them, often at gunpoint.

The Economist

Yet in many farming regions, water is scarce and likely to get scarcer as global warming worsens.

The Economist

But when kidneys are already scarce — and apt to get scarcer as much of the population ages and sickens — it is a rational choice.

The New York Times

Until Sept. 23, visitors can discover at a glance where the strength lies in the global art market and where opportunities get scarcer as supplies shrink.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get scarce", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the decreasing availability or abundance of the subject. This phrase is most effective when describing resources, opportunities, or conditions that are becoming less common over time.

Common error

Avoid using "get scarce" to describe temporary unavailability. This phrase implies a longer-term trend toward reduced availability, not just a momentary shortage. Use alternative phrases for short-term situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get scarce" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of depletion or reduction in availability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It describes a state of diminishing resources or opportunities as seen in Ludwig examples from sources like The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get scarce" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a decline in availability or abundance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the idea of something becoming less common or more difficult to obtain. Its neutral register and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist make it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the trend toward reduced availability, not merely a temporary shortage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become limited

Focuses on the limitation aspect, highlighting a restriction in quantity or scope.

become rare

Emphasizes the infrequency of occurrence, suggesting something is becoming unusual.

become depleted

Highlights the reduction in quantity, often referring to resources.

diminish in availability

Formally expresses the reduction in how easily something can be accessed or obtained.

grow infrequent

Focuses on the increasing lack of frequency of occurrence.

dwindle in number

Specifically refers to a reduction in the numerical quantity of something.

contract in supply

Emphasizes the decrease in the amount available in the market or for use.

lessen in abundance

Highlights a decrease in the plentifulness of something.

become deficient

Highlights that something is lacking or not up to the level it should be.

become tight

Indicates resources become more restricted and difficult to obtain.

FAQs

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

You can use "get scarce" to describe resources, opportunities, or even time when they become less available. For example, "As the deadline approached, good ideas seemed to "get scarce"."

What's a more formal alternative to "get scarce"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "become limited" or "diminish in availability". These options provide a similar meaning with a more professional register.

Is it correct to say "is getting scarce"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to use the continuous form "is getting scarce". This form emphasizes the ongoing process of something becoming less available, as in, "Clean water is "getting scarce" in many regions."

What is the difference between "get scarce" and "become rare"?

While both phrases imply something is becoming less common, "get scarce" often refers to resources or opportunities that are diminishing, whereas "become rare" might suggest a thing that is becoming unusual or uncommon due to other factors like extinction or damage. For instance, “opportunities "get scarce"”, while an antique might "become rare".