scarce in something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce in something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is in short supply or not readily available in a particular context. Example: "Fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce in many regions around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cultural and arts events are scarce, and to take in something in St . Louisis a 160-mile round trip.

The New York Times

"Although photojournalism is no longer the sole source for pictures that are used simply for illustration and graphic design, it can still offer something that is scarce - in-depth, narrative explorations of important issues at home and abroad.

BBC

I think it's infantile.' The magazine's editorial director, Henry Finder, says drily that Remnick 'has something very scarce in this city: an aura of sanity.

The Guardian

Curio #803 | Laundry beads Washing machines use a lot of water--something pretty scarce in California these days.

Huffington Post

One reason for the success of the Renaissance Plaza project, Mr. Muss said, is that it has something that is scarce in all urban locations: parking.

The New York Times

Harlow has done less well, but its MP, Robert Halfon, points to impressive business start-up figures.New towns succeed because they offer something that is scarce in London: cheap land.

The Economist

In other words, he suggests an answer, something that has become scarce in the ravaged landscapes of many science-fiction movies.

The New York Times

"He's brilliant, focused, works hard and, most importantly, has something that is always scarce in D.C. wisdom," says Dartmouth University economist Jonathan Skinner, a frequent collaborator.

Forbes

Humility and team spirit, qualities notably scarce in the pre-Houllier squad, are the cornerstones on which something significant may yet be built.

The Guardian - Sport

Something about the commonest objects of one generation makes them scarce in the next.

The New York Times

Furniture is scarce in here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarce in something" to specifically denote a limited quantity or availability within a defined context. It's effective for highlighting shortages or deficiencies in particular areas or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "scarce in something" when a more general term like "rare" or "limited" would suffice. Ensure the "something" specifies the precise domain where scarcity exists to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce in something" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is limited or not readily available within a specific context. As Ludwig AI suggests, this structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarce in something" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon construction used to emphasize limited availability within a specified context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase itself is correct, careful attention should be paid to ensuring the specified context is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternative expressions such as "limited in" or "deficient in" may offer greater clarity depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Becoming scarce in something

Indicates a trend towards limited availability, highlighting the process of depletion.

In short supply of something

Highlights a condition where the quantity available is less than the demand.

Limited in something

Highlights the restricted quantity or extent of something available.

Short on something

Indicates a deficiency or insufficient amount of something needed.

Deficient in something

Emphasizes a lack or shortage, especially regarding essential qualities or elements.

Rare in something

Emphasizes the infrequency or uncommon occurrence of something in a specific context.

Lacking something

Focuses on the absence or deficiency of something, rather than its limited availability.

Dwindling in something

Emphasizes the gradual reduction or depletion of something.

Thin on the ground in something

Describes something that is present but not in large numbers or quantities in a particular place or situation.

Few and far between in something

Indicates that instances of something are infrequent and widely dispersed.

FAQs

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

You can use "scarce in something" to indicate that a particular resource or quality is limited within a specific context. For example: "Reliable data is "scarce in this field"".

What are some alternatives to "scarce in something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "limited in something", "deficient in something", or "rare in something".

Is it correct to say "scarce in something"?

Yes, "scarce in something" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe the limited availability of something within a specified area or situation.

What's the difference between "scarce in something" and "scarce among something"?

"Scarce in something" refers to scarcity within a particular area or context, while "scarce among something" suggests that a resource is limited across a group. For example, "Opportunities are "scarce in rural areas"", versus "Resources are "scarce among low income families"".