scarcely available

USAGE SUMMARY

"scarcely available" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize how difficult it is to obtain something. For example, "The original edition of the book is scarcely available, so it's extremely expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are scarcely available digitally.

The Economist

However, rhinomanometry is scarcely available.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Also, Pt is scarcely available at a high price.

Journal of Power Sources

The measurements are assumed to scarcely available, and arriving randomly on time.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Foods rich in sugars, starches and fats, once scarcely available to humans, are now abundant.

The New York Times - Science

The still scarcely available information on microbiological aspects of bioelectrochemical PAH removal is summarised here.

Environmental Pollution

Findings of scarcely available studies indicate that there are substantial gaps in intercultural doctor patient communication.

Patient Education and Counseling

Livelihoods of rice farmers depend on the efficient use of scarcely available agricultural resources.

NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences

Such information is presently only scarcely available, mainly because of the unusual high temperature and short contact time reaction conditions.

Applied Catalysis A: General

It is also necessary to use additives in order to ensure long service lives because the raw material is scarcely available.

Construction and Building Materials

Relative to the physical/built, the socioeconomic neighborhood and ADL/IADL disabilities were more consistently associated in the still scarcely available literature on the subject.

Preventive Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarcely available", be specific about why something is scarce: is it due to cost, location, regulation, or another factor? This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely available" when "rare" or "uncommon" would be more accurate. "Scarcely available" suggests a significant lack, not just an infrequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely available" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something is obtainable, emphasizing its limited presence or accessibility. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcely available" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that indicates something is difficult to obtain. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news publications, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. To enhance clarity in writing, specify the reason for the scarcity. For alternatives, consider "rarely obtainable" or "hard to come by". Be careful to not overstate the scarcity and consider "rare" or "uncommon" when the item is just infrequent rather than significantly lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely obtainable

Emphasizes the infrequency with which something can be obtained.

hard to come by

Highlights the difficulty in finding or acquiring something.

in short supply

Focuses on the limited quantity of something that is available.

limited in availability

States directly that the availability of something is restricted.

not easily accessible

Emphasizes the difficulty in reaching or obtaining something.

difficult to find

Highlights the challenge in locating something.

few and far between

Suggests that instances of something are infrequent and widely dispersed.

at a premium

Indicates that something is valuable and not easily obtained due to high demand.

thin on the ground

Implies that there are very few instances of something available.

not abundant

States that something is not plentiful or readily available.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely available" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely available" to describe something that is difficult to obtain. For example, "Due to high demand, tickets for the concert are "scarcely available"."

What's a good alternative to "scarcely available"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "scarcely available" include "rarely obtainable", "hard to come by", or "in short supply".

Is it correct to say "barely available" instead of "scarcely available"?

While "barely available" is similar, "scarcely available" suggests a greater degree of scarcity or difficulty in obtaining something. "Barely" implies a minimal level of availability, while "scarcely" indicates a noticeable lack.

What makes something "scarcely available"?

Something may be "scarcely available" due to a variety of factors, such as limited production, high demand, geographical restrictions, or legal constraints.