scarce possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where there are very few options or opportunities available. Example: "In this remote area, there are scarce possibilities for employment, making it difficult for residents to find work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some unknown primary tumors are treatable, like lymphoma, extragonal germ cell neoplasms and ovarian cancer, but the majority of cases have a short fatal clinical course with very scarce possibilities of employing effective chemotherapy [12, 16, 18].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However there is a dearth of literature on cognitive test practice effects in schizophrenia, likely because of the scarce possibility of improvement [ 22].

BMC Psychiatry

These drugs have been largely neglected as models for drug development because they are majorly used in countries with limited resources and as a consequence with scarce marketing possibilities.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Evidence supporting this possibility is scarce in the ICU setting [ 5, 6], although MRSA infection prevention has been demonstrated when RDT was used before clean surgery [ 7].

Critical Care

The simulated samples were prepared as two types to avoid the possibility of destroying scarce and precious relics during the protective process in our experiment.

Heritage Science

In order to avoid the possibility of destroying scarce and precious relics during the protective process in our experiment, the raw materials of simulated samples were taken from the screening clay in the 0.150 mm sieve size of Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and prepared as two types (Figure 3).

Heritage Science

Where psychiatric morbidity was diagnosed, we informed participants of treatment possibilities, which are unfortunately scarce for asylum seekers and refugees.

BMC Psychiatry

This possibility is supported by scarce physiological data [5] as direct measurement of pleural pressure is challenging.

Annals of Intensive Care

This would lead to the best use of the scarce resources available and offer us the possibility of breaking the cycle of transmission.

Plosone

He said the service was a scarce resource owned by the government so the possibility of charging had to be explored fully.

BBC

For all these reasons, the possibilities of prevention during reproductive life are scarce.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with limited options, use "scarce possibilities" to emphasize the rarity and difficulty of finding suitable opportunities. It adds a layer of gravity to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "scarce possibilities" in casual conversation. This phrase is more appropriate for formal writing, such as academic papers or professional reports. Opt for more informal alternatives like "not many options" or "few chances" in everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce possibilities" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It combines the adjective "scarce", modifying the noun "possibilities", to denote a limited or rare availability of opportunities or options. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usage in contexts where limited options are being described.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce possibilities" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations with limited options or opportunities. It's most common in formal and scientific contexts, as supported by Ludwig's analysis and the variety of source domains, including science and news media. While grammatically correct, it’s advisable to consider more informal alternatives, such as "limited options" or "few opportunities", in casual settings. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of rarity and constraint, making it suitable for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited options

Focuses on the constraint in the number of available choices.

few opportunities

Emphasizes the lack of chances for something to occur.

rare prospects

Highlights the infrequency and potential value of the opportunities.

meager chances

Indicates that the opportunities are not only few but also insignificant.

slim likelihood

Refers to a low probability of something happening.

remote possibility

Implies that the event is unlikely to occur.

restricted avenues

Highlights the limited number of ways to achieve a goal.

narrow scope

Suggests that the range of opportunities is limited.

tight constraints

Focuses on the limitations placed on the opportunities.

thin pickings

Informal way of saying there is not much to choose from.

FAQs

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

You can use "scarce possibilities" to describe situations where there are very few options or opportunities available. For example: "In this economic climate, there are "scarce possibilities" for new graduates."

What can I say instead of "scarce possibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "limited options", "few opportunities", or "rare prospects" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "scarce possibilities" or "scarcity of possibilities"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""scarce possibilities"" is more concise and commonly used. "Scarcity of possibilities" emphasizes the lack thereof, but is more verbose.

What's the difference between "scarce possibilities" and "limited resources"?

"Scarce possibilities" refers to a lack of opportunities or options, while "limited resources" refers to a lack of available assets such as money, time, or materials. They describe different types of limitations.