scarce in quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce in quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is limited or insufficient in amount or availability. Example: "The resources for the project were scarce in quantity, making it difficult to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It plays a key role in sustaining hope and happiness — the brashness, the assertion of individuality, all the things that our popular culture exports in quantity and that are scarce commodities in Africa.

The New Yorker

Finally, when West Indian sugar began to be imported in quantity (from the 17th century), there was less incentive to keep bees, and the essential honey became scarcer.

Britannica

Despite the rapid increase in quantity and quality of experimental data in many fields of engineering and science, quantitative measurements of many cellular components are still relatively scarce.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

In America, people buy hardbacks in quantity.

Independent

Cowhide and goatskin are exported in quantity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are poisonous in quantity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Here you find everything and in quantity".

The New York Times - Travel

12. Buy in quantity.

Huffington Post

Unlike mana, souls are limited in quantity.

Wikipedia

Rewards are limited in quantity.

Unicef

Some can be toxic, especially in quantity.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "limited" or "rare" for increased impact, especially when writing for a general audience.

Common error

Avoid using "scarce in quantity" when describing something completely absent. The phrase implies some existence, albeit limited. Use "nonexistent" or "absent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce in quantity" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its limited availability or insufficient amount. Although Ludwig provides examples of the phrase in use, it's important to note that no results match the query exactly. This suggests the phrase is grammatically sound but perhaps not the most common choice.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce in quantity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something limited in amount or availability. While Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, the lack of direct example matches suggests it may not be the most common phrasing. Alternatives such as ""limited in quantity"" or ""in short supply"" may be preferred for greater clarity or impact. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is scarce to enhance understanding. While acceptable, it is not among the most frequently used expressions, and careful consideration should be given to the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited in quantity

Replaces "scarce" with "limited", keeping the prepositional phrase structure.

Available in small quantities

Focuses on availability rather than inherent scarcity.

In short supply

Uses a common idiom to convey scarcity.

Meager in amount

Replaces "scarce" with "meager" and "quantity" with "amount".

Limited availability

Focuses on the availability of a resource being limited.

Rare in number

Substitutes "scarce" with "rare" and "quantity" with "number".

Few in number

Emphasizes the limited number of items.

Deficient in quantity

Uses "deficient" to indicate a lack of sufficient quantity.

Not abundant in quantity

Expresses scarcity by negating abundance.

A limited quantity is available

Highlights the restriction on the amount available.

FAQs

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

You can use "scarce in quantity" to describe something that is limited or insufficient in amount or availability. For example: "Due to the drought, water was "scarce in quantity" this summer."

What are some alternatives to saying "scarce in quantity"?

Alternatives include "limited in quantity", "in short supply", or "rare in number", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "scarce in quantity" or "limited in quantity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "limited in quantity" might be preferred for its simplicity and wider usage. "Scarce" can sometimes sound more formal or literary.

What does it mean when something is described as "scarce in quantity"?

It means there is not much of it available. The resource, item, or substance is present, but the amount is restricted or insufficient for the demand or need.