scarce commodities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce commodities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to goods or resources that are in limited supply and not easily available. Example: "In times of economic crisis, scarce commodities often lead to increased prices and competition among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Such pools are, however, scarce commodities.

The Economist

Food and medicine could become scarce commodities.

The Washington Post

As is the case in any marketplace, scarce commodities are valuable.

The New York Times - Sports

Prices for scarce commodities can't be allowed to clear markets, suggests the BIS.

The Economist

Solitude and Nature, those Emersonian essay titles, are increasingly scarce commodities, and Forks is rich in both.

The New York Times

As legions of new consumers gain purchasing power, demand inevitably rises, driving up the price of scarce commodities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But worry is a scarce commodity.

The New York Times

Space itself is a scarce commodity.

The New York Times - Arts

In Britain, donor sperm is a scarce commodity.

The Guardian

"It has elements of a scarce commodity," he said.

The New York Times

But joy, or even basic satisfaction, remains a scarce commodity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "scarce commodities", be specific about the context of scarcity. Is it due to geographic limitations, economic factors, or artificial restrictions?

Common error

Avoid using "scarce commodities" as a catch-all phrase for any type of shortage. Instead, focus on the particular factors contributing to the scarcity and its specific impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce commodities" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It refers to goods or resources that are limited in availability relative to demand. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from economics to environmental concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarce commodities" is a noun phrase used to describe goods or resources with limited availability relative to demand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, its use often highlights economic or environmental challenges related to scarcity. Consider using synonyms like "limited resources" or "rare goods" for variety. Avoid overgeneralizing its use; instead, focus on the specific factors contributing to the scarcity. Overall, it's a concise and effective way to convey the concept of limited resource availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resources

Focuses on the finite amount of available resources.

rare goods

Emphasizes the rarity and limited occurrence of the goods.

limited supply

Highlights the restricted amount of items available.

in short supply

Indicates a condition where the quantity available is insufficient.

deficit of goods

Focuses on the lack or shortage of necessary items.

restricted materials

Highlights materials that are controlled and not easily accessed.

precious resources

Emphasizes the high value and limited nature of the resources.

valuable resources

Stresses the importance and worth of the resources in question.

limited assets

Focuses on the restricted quantity of available assets.

dwindling supplies

Indicates that the quantity of supplies is decreasing over time.

FAQs

How can I use "scarce commodities" in a sentence?

You can use "scarce commodities" to refer to resources that are limited and in high demand. For example, "During the drought, water became one of the "scarce commodities" in the region".

What are some synonyms for "scarce commodities"?

Alternatives to "scarce commodities" include "limited resources", "rare goods", or "limited supply". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a commodity "scarce"?

A commodity becomes "scarce" when its availability is insufficient to meet the demand. This can be due to factors like limited natural resources, high production costs, or geopolitical events.

Is it correct to use "scarce commodities" in a formal context?

Yes, "scarce commodities" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially in economics, business, and political discussions. It clearly and concisely conveys the concept of limited resource availability.