there is a scarcity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "there is a scarcity of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lack of something. For example: "There is a scarcity of quality jobs in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In recent years there is a scarcity of publications on the association of myelophthisis with cancer.

BMC Cancer

KEY MESSAGES There is a scarcity of published literature on the cost-effectiveness of early childhood nutrition and development interventions.

Health Policy and Planning

There is a scarcity of information on how most of these additives affect durability.

Construction and Building Materials

But there is a scarcity of studies on the effects on memory and attention.

The Guardian

market in boom times, when there is a scarcity of hot allocations".

The New York Times

Currently there is a scarcity of high-quality managers that offer non-fossil fuel options.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a scarcity of apartments of this size and grandeur".

The New York Times

There is a scarcity of cheap blended whiskeys - no neutral spirits to blend them with.

The New Yorker

"There is a scarcity of super running backs in this year's draft," he said.

The Washington Post

And there is a scarcity of large investments needed to refine and test designs.

The New York Times

Because of the breadth of this literary response, there is a scarcity of research on the subject available.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a scarcity of", ensure you clearly identify what is scarce and the context in which it is scarce. For example, "There is a scarcity of affordable housing in the city center."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "there is a scarcity of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "there isn't much of" or "there's not enough" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a scarcity of" functions as an existential clause that introduces the existence of a lack or deficiency. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting a lack of resources, data, or opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is a scarcity of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a lack or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse writing scenarios. Its prevalence in scientific, news, and formal business contexts suggests a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's most effective to clearly identify the scarce resource and consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. The related phrases offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, while the examples illustrate the phrase's versatility in highlighting needs and challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a shortage of

Replaces "scarcity" with "shortage", emphasizing a deficiency or lack of supply.

there is a lack of

Uses "lack" to indicate an absence or insufficiency of something.

there is a dearth of

Replaces "scarcity" with "dearth", implying a severe lack or scarcity, often in a more formal context.

there is a paucity of

Uses "paucity" to suggest a small or insufficient quantity.

there is a deficit of

Indicates a deficiency or imbalance, particularly in quantifiable terms.

there is a limited supply of

Focuses on the restriction of available resources or items.

there are insufficient quantities of

Emphasizes that the amount available is not enough to meet the need.

there is a tightness in the market for

Highlights market conditions where the supply is restricted, increasing demand and potentially prices.

availability is limited for

Focuses on the restriction of available something for someone.

resources are strained

Implies a shortage due to overuse or high demand, placing stress on available resources.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a scarcity of" in a sentence?

Use "there is a scarcity of" to indicate that something is lacking or not readily available. For example, "There is a scarcity of clean water in the drought-stricken region."

What's the difference between "there is a scarcity of" and "there is a shortage of"?

While similar, "there is a scarcity of" often implies a long-term or inherent lack, whereas "there is a shortage of" might suggest a temporary or circumstantial deficiency.

Are there more formal alternatives to "there is a scarcity of"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "there is a dearth of" or "there is a paucity of" to express a similar meaning in a more elevated style.

What can I say instead of "there is a scarcity of" in informal contexts?

In informal situations, consider using phrases like "there is a lack of", "there isn't much of", or "there's not enough" for a more casual tone.