scarce number

USAGE SUMMARY

"scarce number" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an amount of something that is less than what is expected or needed. For example, "With such a scarce number of volunteers, the job may take longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A good argument for the lack of success could be levelled at the scarce number of compatible games on store shelves, with only a few – such as Eye of Judgement – taking full advantage of the technology while other games, such as Burnout Paradise, simply use the camera to take your winning photograph.

Independent

So AJAM is fighting for a scarce number of eyeballs.

TechCrunch

Although the scarce number of samples was analyzed by PCR, no cases of CT were identified.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

So while free-trade Democrats may be an endangered species, it looks increasingly like our president-elect is one of its scarce number.

Forbes

The relative scarce number of countries subject to the quarterly narrative approach reflects the considerable effort required by the construction of a record of legislated tax changes.

SERIEs

Companies could use them to assist decision-making or to proliferate the skills of a scarce number of experts throughout the organization.

Expert Systems The Technology of Knowledge Management and Decision Making for the 21st Century

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

For nearly three decades, Partners in Health, for example, has delivered consistently high-quality care to more than 2.5 million people in a dozen countries like Haiti, Rwanda and Peru, places with widespread poverty, scarce numbers of providers and no health care infrastructure.

The New York Times

We also excluded the Y-linked SNPs because of scarce numbers.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

This facilitated the ability to detect scarce numbers of viral genomes in overwhelming amounts of cellular DNA.

Breast Cancer Research

Marsupials first appear in scarce numbers in the fossil record of Australia in the early Eocene [ 45], but it is not until the prolific Riversleigh deposits of the Oligo-Miocene that all remaining extant marsupial orders (Diprotodontia, Notoryctemorphia, Peramelemorphia, and Dasyuromorphia) appear.

BMC Biology

But this season, with the fungus becoming scarce, the number is down to the hundreds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarce number", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking or insufficient due to the limited quantity. For example, "Due to the scarce number of available appointments, many patients are facing delays."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "scarce number". Focus on factual implications rather than emotional responses. For example, instead of saying "The scarce number of resources will lead to complete disaster", try "The scarce number of resources will limit the scope of the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce number" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically to indicate a quantity that is insufficient or limited. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an insufficient or limited quantity. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, it commonly appears in scientific literature and news reporting. Alternative phrases like "limited quantity" or "insufficient amount" can be used depending on the specific nuance. It is important to use the phrase accurately and avoid exaggerating the impact of the scarcity. Be mindful to provide context regarding the deficiency to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient quantity

Highlights the inadequacy of the amount for a specific purpose.

limited quantity

Focuses on the physical restriction in amount.

inadequate supply

Focuses on the lack of sufficient provision.

restricted amount

Emphasizes the constraint or limitation on the quantity.

small quantity

Directly states the reduced size of the amount.

deficient amount

Indicates a shortfall or lack in the expected quantity.

meager amount

Implies the amount is not only small but also insufficient.

reduced volume

Specifically refers to the diminished size or capacity.

paltry sum

Suggests the amount is insignificant or worthless.

finite supply

Emphasizes that the amount is not unlimited and will eventually run out.

FAQs

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

You can use "scarce number" to describe a situation where there isn't enough of something. For example, "The project was delayed due to the "scarce number" of available engineers."

What can I say instead of "scarce number"?

Alternatives include "limited quantity", "insufficient amount", or "small quantity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "scarce number" or "small number"?

While both phrases indicate a limited quantity, "scarce number" implies that the quantity is insufficient or lacking, whereas "small number" simply refers to a reduced amount without necessarily implying a deficiency.

Can "scarce number" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "scarce number" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "limited quantity" or "inadequate supply" for a more sophisticated tone.