paucity of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paucity of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack or scarcity of available resources or information. Example: "The research faced significant challenges due to the paucity of material on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Maybe the filmmakers were stymied by the paucity of material -- Dean's was a brief life," Ms. Salamon wrote.

The New York Times

Maybe the filmmakers were stymied by the paucity of material -- Dean's was a brief life -- or by an unwillingness to explore the complexity that was there.

The New York Times

"I went on a trip to the Big Apple to see 'Beauty and the Beast,' and a trip to Funtime America," his essay began, then veered suddenly into the future tense to make up for the paucity of material.

The New York Times

But such is the paucity of material in his party for the formation of a government, that compared with all the others, he stands out alone as a great and distinguished statesman.

The Guardian

A search of nonacademic literature highlights, with a few notable exceptions, a relative paucity of material.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

NME editor Emily Mackay echoed his statements giving a mixed review for the tour, further criticizing the lack of hits in the set list and adding that only a "paucity of material" was incorporated in the set.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The paucity of materials has not deterred a legion of biographers, including, most recently, Robert Gittings, Michael Millgate, Martin Seymour-Smith and Claire Tomalin, whose lyrical "Thomas Hardy" has just appeared in Britain and America to deservedly rapturous reviews.

The New York Times

Thus a paucity of materials can no longer be used as an excuse for not including classical Chinese philosophical texts in undergraduate courses, or indeed in the several philosophical discourses now current in professional circles.

SEP

But the truth is considering the SIZE OF THE PROBLEM and the paucity of materials dealing with the problem… I'd say we have an avoidance issue here.

Huffington Post

But if bigger venues showcase Howard's technique, they also expose the paucity of his material.

The Guardian

(Saltz) 'Radio City Christmas Spectacular' After last year's update, this annual extravaganza returns with a paucity of new material.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paucity of material", ensure the context clearly defines what type of "material" is lacking, providing specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "paucity of research material" or "paucity of construction material".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "paucity of material" automatically diminishes the significance of a subject. A limited amount of information can sometimes highlight the need for further investigation and research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paucity of material" functions as a noun phrase that describes a deficiency or lack of available resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paucity of material" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to express a lack or scarcity of resources or information. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is particularly suitable for formal and scientific writing, as evidenced by its frequent occurrence in scientific journals and news media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the type of "material" that is lacking to avoid ambiguity. While a "paucity of material" can present challenges, it does not automatically diminish the importance of a subject. Alternative phrases such as "scarcity of resources" or "lack of resources" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of resources

Focuses on the limited availability of resources in general.

lack of resources

Emphasizes the absence of necessary resources.

dearth of data

Highlights the insufficient amount of data available.

shortage of supplies

Implies a temporary or specific deficit in available supplies.

insufficiency of information

Points to an inadequate amount of information.

limited availability of resources

Expresses the restricted access to resources.

inadequate supply

Indicates that the supply is not sufficient to meet the demand.

thinness of evidence

Emphasizes the lack of substantial evidence.

poverty of data

Implies a severe lack of data, almost to the point of non-existence.

meagerness of input

Highlights the small or insufficient amount of input received.

FAQs

How can I use "paucity of material" in a sentence?

You can use "paucity of material" to describe situations where there is a lack or scarcity of resources. For example, "The research faced significant challenges due to the paucity of material on the subject."

What are some alternatives to "paucity of material"?

Alternatives include phrases like "scarcity of resources", "lack of resources", or "dearth of data", depending on the context.

What does "paucity" mean?

"Paucity" means scarcity or lack of something. Using it highlights that something is insufficient or limited in quantity.

Is it appropriate to use "paucity of material" in formal writing?

Yes, "paucity of material" is suitable for formal writing. It is a sophisticated way to describe a lack of resources or information. More informal alternatives might include "shortage" or "not enough".