not as plentiful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as plentiful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the quantity of something, indicating that it is less abundant than another reference point. Example: "This year's harvest is not as plentiful as last year's, leading to concerns about food supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It's not as plentiful as it was," Captain Bayard said.

The New York Times

They're not as plentiful as in those days, of course, so we savor them all the more.

The New York Times

A. Devices that let users send and receive e-mail and browse the Web but cost far less than a full computer are still around, though they are not as plentiful as they were a few years ago.

The New York Times - Tech

But if you have reached that stage of life when the opportunities for short-sheeting your counselor's bed or sneaking a frog into someone else's underwear are not as plentiful as they once were, then this sloppy comedy may be a pleasant reminder of days gone by.

The New York Times

On the lifts you will hear complaints about how the powder is not as plentiful as usual this year, and to be sure, they know nothing of the rush of surviving a run down a steep on boiler plate ice, but to be spoiled you have to have it good.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are interviewers who don't care [about weight], but those are not as plentiful as the other kind," he says.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

And food pantries aren't as plentiful as they need to be".

The New York Times

The grain supply isn't as plentiful as we had hoped, and the damn coyotes have attacked twelve of the cattle.

The New Yorker

As we walked around, dodging elderly villagers who accosted him demanding to know when their welfare checks would show up in the mail, Manavalan complained that fish stocks weren't as plentiful as they had once been.

The New Yorker

Likewise, equity isn't as plentiful as it was a few months ago, Mr. Witten said, because sponsors are shifting their focus away from apartments as other property segments recover.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the living monsters (and scares) weren't as plentiful.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as plentiful", ensure you clearly specify what it is being compared to. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not as plentiful" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "Resources are not as plentiful", specify "Resources are not as plentiful as they were last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as plentiful" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is less abundant than something else. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to describe quantities of resources, opportunities, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not as plentiful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a reduced quantity or availability compared to a reference point. Ludwig's analysis confirms its broad applicability, predominantly in news and media, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Its frequent use and acceptance, as evidenced by Ludwig, make it a reliable choice for expressing scarcity or reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less abundant

Focuses on the abundance aspect, indicating a lower quantity.

not as abundant

Direct synonym, emphasizing a reduced level of abundance.

less copious

Highlights a decrease in the richness or profusion of something.

not as copious

Parallel structure, stressing a diminished level of richness.

scarcer

Emphasizes the increased rarity or reduced availability.

in short supply

Highlights a shortage or limited availability.

dwindling

Focuses on the gradual decrease or reduction over time.

reduced in quantity

Explicitly states a decrease in the amount or number.

more limited

Highlights the constrained or restricted nature of the supply.

diminished

Implies a reduction in size, extent, or degree.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not as plentiful"?

Alternatives include "less abundant", "scarcer", or "in short supply", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is "not as plentiful"?

It means that the quantity or availability of something is lower compared to a previous time, another location, or a different item.

Is it correct to say "not so plentiful" instead of "not as plentiful"?

While "not so plentiful" is understandable, "not as plentiful" is more common and grammatically standard in formal writing.

How does the usage of "not as plentiful" compare to "as plentiful as"?

"Not as plentiful" indicates a deficiency or reduction, while "as plentiful as" suggests a comparison of equality or sufficiency. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a lack or a comparison.