scarce supplies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce supplies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited amount of resources or materials available. Example: "Due to the recent natural disaster, the community is facing challenges in accessing scarce supplies such as food and water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But the remaining scarce supplies of flu shots were being saved for the elderly and others most at risk.

The New York Times

She declined their offers of food and water, not wanting to take scarce supplies away from them.

The New York Times

This would mean that scarce supplies would be put to the best use by the people who most needed them.

The Economist

California cut power to nearly 300,000 customers today as high temperatures and scarce supplies left the state short of electricity for a second straight day.

The New York Times

To accommodate businesses that do use diesel back-ups, China last week banned exports of diesel fuel to conserve scarce supplies.

The New York Times

filings, is that its policies qualify for an exception to international trade rules that allows countries to limit exports for environmental protection and to conserve scarce supplies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Leadership was in scarce supply.

The New York Times - Books

Start said jobs and affordable housing were in scarce supply.

The Guardian

It is when peaks in demand sap scarce supply that prices soar in deregulated power markets.

The New York Times

Many traders face longer trips to work and a scarce supply of parking spaces.

The New York Times

One reason is that the Fed will be muscling in on scarce supply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "scarce supplies", be specific about what is scarce (e.g., "scarce supplies of clean water") to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "scarce supplies" without identifying the specific item or resource that is limited. Always provide context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce supplies" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a condition where the amount of available resources is insufficient to meet the demand. This is confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scarce supplies" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe limited availability of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across diverse fields, prominently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's crucial to specify what supplies are scarce to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "limited resources" or "shortage of resources" can be used to express a similar meaning. Understanding the context and register will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resources

Focuses on the limitation of resources in general, without necessarily emphasizing the concept of supply.

limited availability

Highlights the restricted access or presence of something.

shortage of resources

Emphasizes the deficit or lack of necessary resources.

dwindling reserves

Suggests a gradual reduction of existing reserves or supplies.

meager provisions

Implies a small and inadequate amount of provisions.

restricted access

Highlights the limited ability to obtain or use something.

inadequate stock

Refers to an insufficient amount of stock or inventory.

depleted stores

Indicates that stores or reserves have been significantly reduced or exhausted.

limited provisions

Emphasizes a specific limitation on the quantity of provisions.

rare commodities

Describes items that are not easily found or obtained.

FAQs

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

You can use "scarce supplies" to describe situations where resources are limited. For example, "The disaster led to "scarce supplies" of food and water."

What are some alternatives to saying "scarce supplies"?

Alternatives include phrases like "limited resources", "limited availability", or "shortage of resources".

What is the difference between "scarce supplies" and "limited resources"?

"Scarce supplies" typically refers to a specific shortage of goods or materials, while "limited resources" is a broader term encompassing any restricted means, including time, money, or personnel.

Is it more formal to use "scarce supplies" or another phrase?

"Scarce supplies" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might opt for "limited resources" or "restricted availability" for a slightly more sophisticated tone.