material is scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material is scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the limited availability of resources or materials in various contexts, such as economics, manufacturing, or environmental issues. Example: "Due to the recent supply chain disruptions, material is scarce, leading to delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This can be costly in areas where good quality fill material is scarce.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

RNA amplification is used when the amount of starting material is scarce, as is frequently the case with clinical samples.

BMC Genomics

Epithelial cells of endometriotic tissues are difficult to propagate in vitro as experimental material is scarce owing to their limited life span.

British Journal of Cancer

Gene expression profiling has become a tool of choice to study pathological or developmental questions but in most cases the material is scarce and requires sample amplification.

BMC Genomics

In general, in vivo evidence for specific death phenotypes in animal models and human biopsy material is scarce, weak and superficial.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

In conclusion, we have constructed a custom macroarray platform ideally suited for the investigation of an intermediate number of genes, in particular when sample material is scarce or when the study population is large.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Most research works have focused on usage of acidic support materials and focus on basic support materials is scarce.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Although literature on the electronic structure of the interfaces of biological macromolecules and inorganic materials is scarce, some pioneering studies have been published.

Nano Convergence

However, detailed experimental information regarding the chemical state and geometry of adsorbed CO2 on nitrogen-doped carbon materials is scarce, which hinders the design of effective, highly selective CO2 capturing materials and catalysts for CO2 reduction.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Ultrafast lasers are extremely powerful tools to machine and pattern the surface of a wide range of biomaterials, however, only few work has been performed on ceramics with the intent of biomedical applications, and the biological characterization of these structured materials is scarce.

Applied Surface Science

Materials were scarce, red tape endless and inspectors meddlesome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "material is scarce", clearly define what "material" refers to in your context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the specific resource you're discussing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "material is scarce" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we're running low on supplies" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material is scarce" functions as a statement indicating a limited availability or a shortage of a particular resource. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material is scarce" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where a resource is limited in supply. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it finds its primary application in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting a formal to neutral register. While "material is scarce" might be too formal for casual conversation, understanding its nuances helps effectively communicate resource constraints. Common synonyms include "resources are limited" and "supplies are low", offering alternatives tailored to specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resources are limited

Focus shifts from a specific material to a broader concept of resources, indicating a general restriction.

supplies are low

Emphasizes the quantity of available supplies being reduced, implying a potential shortage.

materials are in short supply

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of materials available, specifying the scarcity.

there's a shortage of material

States directly that a deficit exists regarding material availability.

the material is depleted

Implies the material has been used up significantly, bordering on exhaustion.

material is running out

Indicates the material is being consumed and nearing complete exhaustion.

availability of material is limited

Highlights the restricted access to the material, emphasizing a constraint.

material is hard to come by

Suggests difficulty in obtaining the material, making it challenging to acquire.

material is difficult to obtain

Focuses on the problems associated to procurement of materials.

access to material is restricted

Highlights the constraint that limit access to the material.

FAQs

How can I use "material is scarce" in a sentence?

You can use "material is scarce" to indicate a limited availability of resources, such as "Due to supply chain disruptions, the specific material needed for production "material is scarce"".

What are some alternatives to "material is scarce"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resources are limited", "supplies are low", or "materials are in short supply".

Is it more appropriate to say "material is scarce" or "materials are scarce"?

Use "material is scarce" when referring to a singular, non-countable substance. Use "materials are scarce" when referring to multiple or countable items. For example: 'The experimental material is scarce' vs 'Construction materials are scarce'.

When is it best to use the phrase "material is scarce"?

The phrase "material is scarce" is most appropriate in formal or technical contexts where you need to clearly and directly state that a particular resource is in limited supply. For example, "Due to environmental factors, the raw "material is scarce" for producing X product".