is scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

"is scarce" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not readily available or in short supply. Example: "During the drought, water is scarce in this area, and we must conserve it carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Traffic is scarce.

The New Yorker

Bank credit is scarce.

The Economist

Credit is scarce.

The Economist

Sex is scarce.

The New Yorker

Technology is scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

Water is scarce.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Productive investment is scarcer.

The Economist

Time is scarcer now.

The Guardian - Books

Gate-crashers were scarce.

The New Yorker

Transport helicopters were scarce.

The New York Times

Insurance policies are scarce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is scarce", ensure you clearly identify what is limited. Provide context so the reader understands the specific shortage or lack you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "is scarce" without specifying the context. Saying "resources are scarce" is vague. Instead, specify "freshwater resources are scarce in the region" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is scarce" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun. It signifies that the noun it modifies exists in a limited quantity or is difficult to obtain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is scarce" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is limited or in short supply. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its high frequency across news, media, and scientific sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in formal writing. Related phrases, such as "is in short supply" or "is limited", can offer slight variations in meaning, while the best practice involves specifying the context to avoid ambiguity. When deploying this phrase, strive for precision, ensuring that the subject is clearly defined. Despite being common, remember clarity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in short supply

Focuses on the limited availability of something, similar to "is scarce".

is limited

Indicates a restriction in quantity or amount.

is rare

Highlights the uncommon nature of something.

is deficient

Suggests a lack or insufficiency of something needed.

is inadequate

Emphasizes that something is not enough to meet a need.

is tight

Implies a restricted or limited amount available.

is at a premium

Highlights the high value and limited availability.

is thin on the ground

An idiomatic expression indicating scarcity.

is hard to come by

Indicates difficulty in finding or obtaining something.

is not abundant

States directly that something is not plentiful.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is scarce" is used to describe something that is limited or not readily available. For example, you could say "Drinking water "is scarce" during a drought" or "Tickets "are scarce" for the concert".

What can I say instead of "is scarce"?

You can use alternatives like "is limited", "is rare", or "is in short supply" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "are scarce" is correct when referring to plural nouns. For example, "Opportunities "are scarce"", while "Time "is scarce"".

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

While both imply limited availability, ""is scarce"" often implies a functional shortage to meet a demand, whereas "is rare" emphasizes uncommonness or infrequency.