scarcer than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcer than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used any time you want to compare the relative scarcity or rarity of two things. For example, "Beef is scarcer than chicken in this region of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Housing has become scarcer than jobs.

The Economist

Under drought conditions, it becomes a bit scarcer than normal.

The Economist

Start-up capital is scarcer than it is elsewhere.

The Economist

Food is scarcer than ever.The government met its poor showing with indecision, followed by repression.

The Economist

Even when she offers discounts to whip up interest, clients are scarcer than they were.

The Economist

He is a firm ally in a region where friends are scarcer than in the past.

The Economist

The American century was created by American leadership, which is scarcer than credit just about now.

The New York Times

No wonder league crowds are smaller, ticket prices lower and investors scarcer than in union.

The Economist

Babysitters on Halloween are even scarcer than on New Year's Eve.

The New Yorker

So South Africans find jobs even scarcer than the Greeks or Spanish.

The New York Times

But capital will be scarcer than it was for years to come.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarcer than" to effectively compare the limited availability of two distinct items or resources. For example, "In the desert, water is scarcer than sand."

Common error

Avoid using "scarcer than" when not directly comparing two items. For instance, it's incorrect to say "Water is scarcer now" without specifying what it is scarcer than. Ensure a clear comparison for accurate usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcer than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing is less available or harder to find compared to another. Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate its usage in various contexts to highlight relative scarcity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarcer than" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to highlight the relative scarcity between two entities, making it a valuable tool for emphasizing limited availability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", but also present in "Science", this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to use it when comparing two distinct items and avoid using it without specifying the basis for comparison. Consider alternatives like "more rare than" or "less abundant than" to add variety to your writing. As Ludwig showcases, "scarcer than" effectively conveys the idea of relative scarcity across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more rare than

A direct synonym, replacing "scarcer" with "rare".

more limited than

Focuses on the limitation or restriction rather than the rarity.

less common than

Highlights the reduced frequency or prevalence of something.

less abundant than

Emphasizes the lack of abundance as opposed to scarcity.

in shorter supply than

Highlights the reduced availability of something.

not as plentiful as

Expresses scarcity by contrasting with abundance.

harder to find than

Emphasizes the difficulty in locating or obtaining something.

more restricted than

Focuses on the limitation or constraint in availability.

in smaller quantities than

Highlights the reduced amount or volume available.

more difficult to obtain than

Focuses on the challenges associated with acquiring something.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcer than" in a sentence?

Use "scarcer than" to compare the relative scarcity of two items. For example, "During the drought, water was "scarcer than" usual".

What are some alternatives to "scarcer than"?

You can use alternatives such as "more rare than", "less abundant than", or "in shorter supply than" to convey a similar meaning. For example, "Gold is "more rare than" silver".

Is it correct to say "scarcer than ever"?

Yes, "scarcer than ever" is a correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize that something is more scarce now compared to any time in the past. An example: "Clean drinking water is "scarcer than" ever in some regions".

Which is the difference between "scarcer than" and "more scarce than"?

"Scarcer than" and "more scarce than" are both grammatically correct and have the same meaning. However, "scarcer than" is generally preferred for its conciseness and simplicity. For example, "Opportunities are "scarcer than" ever" is often preferred over "Opportunities are more scarce than ever".