has been scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been in short supply or not readily available over a period of time. Example: "Food has been scarce in the region due to the ongoing drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Rain amounts have been normal but snow has been scarce.

The Guardian

Martucci has been scarce in New York: the Philharmonic last performed this concerto in 1911.

The New York Times - Arts

Justice has been scarce in this case, and seems to be getting scarcer.

The New Yorker

–Why do you think funding has been scarce for meteor research?

The New York Times

The peace proclaimed from the billboards has been scarce in recent weeks.

The New York Times

So far, the evidence that they work has been "scarce and controversial," Dr. Seiler wrote.

The New York Times - Health

To date, the literature focussing on "conservation measures" required by the directives has been scarce.

Ocean & Coastal Management

Martin is right that "hard data and hard, credible evidence has been scarce in cybersecurity thus far".

The Guardian - Opinion

It has been scarce since then, but on Sunday afternoon Lillian Groag's ultramodern staging returned to the repertory.

The New York Times - Arts

The headset, PlayStation VR, has been scarce in many stores, especially in Japan, since it went on sale in October.

The New York Times

But Mr. Romney himself has been scarce, with only one public campaign event in all of March.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been scarce", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking or in short supply. This phrase is effective in highlighting deficiencies or limited availability, especially when emphasizing the impact of the scarcity.

Common error

While "has been scarce" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "there hasn't been much" or "it's been hard to find" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been scarce" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating that something has been in a state of deficiency or limited availability over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe a lack of something. Examples from Ludwig include "Rain amounts have been normal but snow has been scarce" and "Evidence has been scarce, but one slip-up may have given the game away."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been scarce" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a state of deficiency or limited availability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal to neutral registers, common in news, scientific, and academic writing. While alternatives like "has been limited" or "has been rare" can be used, "has been scarce" effectively emphasizes the impact of the scarcity and maintains a professional tone. It's important to ensure the context clearly identifies what is lacking. With 56 real-world examples available, Ludwig can help writers understand and appropriately use this phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been limited

Indicates a restriction in quantity or availability, similar to "has been scarce" but may also imply a deliberate limitation.

has been rare

Emphasizes the infrequency of occurrence, implying that something is not commonly found.

has been scant

Suggests a minimal or insufficient amount, often used in the context of information or evidence.

has been deficient

Highlights a lack or inadequacy, particularly in terms of necessary qualities or elements.

has been in short supply

Directly indicates a shortage or lack of availability.

has been uncommon

Similar to "has been rare", indicating that something is not frequently encountered.

has been infrequent

Focuses on the lack of regularity or frequency.

has been exiguous

A more formal and less common way of saying something has been very meager or scanty.

has been wanting

Suggests that something is lacking or deficient, often in terms of quality or completeness.

has been reduced

Indicates a decrease in the quantity or availability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "has been scarce" in a sentence?

You can use "has been scarce" to describe a situation where something is limited or not readily available. For example, "Data on performance of these full-time virtual charters "has been scarce" until recently".

What are some alternatives to "has been scarce"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "has been limited", "has been rare", or "has been in short supply" as alternatives to "has been scarce".

Is it more appropriate to use "has been scarce" or "has become scarce"?

"Has been scarce" indicates a state that has existed for some time, while "has become scarce" suggests a change in availability over time. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the transition.

What's the difference between "has been scarce" and "has been limited"?

"Has been scarce" generally implies a natural or circumstantial lack, whereas "has been limited" suggests a deliberate restriction. For example, "Resources "has been scarce" due to the drought", versus "Access "has been limited" by the new regulations".