space is scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "space is scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited amount of space available, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "In urban areas, space is scarce, making it challenging to find suitable housing for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

To start with, space is scarce.

The New York Times

Hackney Showroom is doing this at a time when venue space is scarce and prices are high.

The Guardian - Travel

Most tenants have not found other berths for their boats because space is scarce in Southern California harbors.

The New York Times

The kitchen has only two burners and a half-sized refrigerator, and storage space is scarce throughout the apartment.

The New York Times

No major highway runs to the tip of Long Island, traffic is a constant headache, and camping space is scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

Private dining space is scarce in the opera house, and the club room, which can seat 100 and overlooks the reflecting pond to the north, is a treasure.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Green space is scarcer in urban areas and access to it might be more skewed.

BMC Public Health

As recently as last year, large blocks of space were scarce, and landlords had the upper hand.

The New York Times

Shipping space was scarce, and there were many losses to German submarines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Amid a huge influx of college applicants after World War II, dorm space was scarce at the city's colleges.

The New York Times

Lyman Place is one of dozens of official play streets in New York City — most in neighborhoods where money and open space are scarce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or urban planning issues, use "space is scarce" to highlight the challenges of limited land availability and its impact on development.

Common error

While "space is scarce" is a valid expression, avoid using it repetitively in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "space is limited" or "space is at a premium" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "space is scarce" functions as a statement or assertion. It's used to describe a situation where the availability of space is limited. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "space is scarce" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the limited availability of space. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, but also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. While "space is scarce" is widely accepted, remember to vary your language by using synonyms like "space is limited" or "space is at a premium" to avoid redundancy. This phrase serves to inform and emphasize the challenges and considerations associated with limited space resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

space is limited

Replaces "scarce" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the core meaning.

room is scarce

Substitutes "space" with "room", which is suitable in contexts referring to enclosed areas.

space is at a premium

Emphasizes the high value and desirability of space due to its limited availability.

area is limited

Interchangeable with "space" when referring to a geographic area or surface.

space is tight

Uses a more informal term to convey the limited amount of space.

space is restricted

Suggests that space is not only limited but also subject to constraints or regulations.

space is in short supply

Highlights the lack of available space, focusing on the supply side.

space is deficient

Indicates a lack or inadequacy of space.

space is lacking

Similar to "deficient", but with a slightly less formal tone.

there is a dearth of space

Uses a more formal and emphatic term to describe the scarcity of space.

FAQs

What does "space is scarce" mean?

The phrase "space is scarce" means there is a limited amount of available space. This can refer to physical spaces like land or rooms, or to more abstract concepts such as time or resources.

How can I use "space is scarce" in a sentence?

You might say, "In densely populated cities, "space is scarce", so innovative housing solutions are needed." or "Because "space is scarce" in the office, we're implementing a hot-desking policy."

What can I say instead of "space is scarce"?

You can use alternatives like "space is limited", "space is at a premium", or "space is tight", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spaces are scarce"?

Yes, "spaces are scarce" is grammatically correct. It is often used when referring to multiple distinct areas or locations, such as parking spaces or available slots in a program. The singular form, "space is scarce", is more appropriate when referring to space in a general or abstract sense.