limited commodity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limited commodity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a product or resource that is in short supply or restricted in availability. Example: "Due to the recent supply chain issues, the store is now offering a limited commodity of certain electronics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They are pristine gems, still isolated from the tourist hordes a limited commodity.

Environmental Management

"Qualified press operators are a limited commodity right now.

The Guardian - Music

Because time is a limited commodity and subject to so many demands, it's all too easy to forget to leave some for yourself.

The Guardian - Money

He exists to be sacked, nourished only by his successes in a sport where success is by definition a limited commodity.

The Guardian - Sport

But public attention is a very limited commodity; it's impossible to actually marshal public attention to each of the individual programmes that get cut when "government" gets cut.

The Economist

For its part, BSkyB will take control of Virgin 1's valuable Freeview slot, a limited commodity, and niche basic entertainment channels that complement its traditional Sky sports, film and news channels.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The rules limiting commodity speculation?

Forbes

In an effort to limit commodity reliance and diversify it export portfolio, Bogotá has bet heavily on trade integration.

Huffington Post

The use of thermoset SMPs has been limited in commodity applications because a variety of common low-cost plastics processing techniques are not possible with network polymers.

Polymer

Some professional investors are avoiding sectors that are priced as if not even the sky is the limit — commodity producers and suppliers of other industrial materials, for example.

The New York Times

But so far, legislation aimed at limiting institutional commodity investments has stalled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limited commodity", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term (e.g. "scarce resource", "restricted product") would be more appropriate. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "limited commodity" in very casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "scarce" or "rare" would sound more natural. This maintains an appropriate tone and avoids sounding overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited commodity" acts as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It describes a noun by attributing it with a quality of being scarce or restricted in availability. Ludwig provides examples that show the term's use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "limited commodity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe something scarce or restricted in availability, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "scarce resource" or "restricted product" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance, understanding its usage and potential overuse in informal settings is essential for effective communication. Use "limited commodity" to add precision, but keep its formality in mind to avoid sounding out of place. Key sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian show its acceptance in mainstream publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce resource

Emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of the resource.

restricted product

Highlights the constraints on its distribution or availability.

finite resource

Focuses on the eventual exhaustion of the resource.

rare item

Stresses the infrequency of encountering or obtaining the item.

depleted supply

Indicates a reduction in the amount available.

in short supply

A common idiom emphasizing the lack of availability.

precious resource

Highlights the value and importance of the resource due to its limited nature.

dwindling asset

Suggests a continuous decrease in the amount of the asset.

exclusive offering

Implies limited availability due to intentional restriction.

controlled substance

Highlights that a commodity is limited by specific legal controls.

FAQs

How can I use "limited commodity" in a sentence?

You can use "limited commodity" to describe something scarce or restricted. For example, "Due to high demand, skilled labor has become a "limited commodity" in the tech industry."

What's a good alternative to "limited commodity"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "scarce resource", "restricted product", or "finite resource" may be suitable.

Is "limited commodity" formal or informal?

"Limited commodity" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for business, news, and academic contexts. Simpler alternatives are preferred in informal conversation.

What makes a commodity "limited"?

A commodity becomes "limited" due to factors like scarcity, restricted access, high demand, or regulatory controls that reduce its availability.