short on funds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short on funds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone does not have enough money available. Example: "Due to unexpected expenses, I am currently short on funds and cannot make the purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the institutions are short on funds.

The New Yorker

They're also short on funds and personality.

The New York Times

Hospitals in the district are short on funds.

The New York Times

He's short of stature and short on funds.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have no space to accommodate them: we are short on funds as well as staff".

The Guardian

Would you like to give a language lover a gift but find yourself short on funds?

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But the country's zoos and panda reserves were short on funding and expertise.

The Guardian

Worst: Short on fund information.

Forbes

The proposal for the National Brain Observatory, published by the Kavli six in Neuron today, is short on funding details.

Science Magazine

However, UNICEF is short on funding too.

Huffington Post

They are short on funding for their Ukraine mission.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial constraints, use "short on funds" to clearly and concisely convey a lack of available money. Tailor related phrases to suit the context and desired level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "short on funds" when describing a chronic or severe financial crisis. This phrase typically implies a temporary lack of money, not a long-term state of poverty or insolvency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short on funds" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (implied or stated) to indicate a deficiency in financial resources. Ludwig examples demonstrate this in contexts like projects or individuals being "short on funds".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short on funds" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a temporary lack of sufficient financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though its register remains generally neutral. When using this phrase, consider the intended level of formality and whether a more precise alternative, like "lacking in funds" or "strapped for cash", might be more appropriate. Avoid using it to describe long-term financial instability. The phrase’s widespread usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian attests to its reliability and clarity in conveying financial limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in funds

This alternative emphasizes the deficiency of funds.

having limited financial resources

This is a more formal way of expressing a lack of funds.

low on cash

This is a more informal way of saying "short on funds".

financially constrained

This indicates limitations due to financial reasons.

strapped for cash

This implies a temporary shortage of money, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

in a tight financial situation

This implies a difficult but not necessarily critical financial state.

facing a budget shortfall

This specifically refers to a situation where expenses exceed the available budget.

experiencing a cash flow problem

This highlights issues with the timing of money coming in and going out.

in financial difficulties

This phrase highlights a broader and potentially more serious financial situation.

broke

An informal and direct way of saying someone has no money.

FAQs

How can I use "short on funds" in a sentence?

You can use "short on funds" to describe a temporary lack of money. For example: "The project is currently "short on funds" due to unexpected expenses."

What is a more formal alternative to "short on funds"?

A more formal alternative is "having limited financial resources". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "short in funds" instead of "short on funds"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is ""short on funds"". "Short in funds" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "short on funds" and "broke"?

"Short on funds" suggests a temporary lack of money, while "broke" implies having no money at all. The first is less informal than the second.