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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
there is scarce
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "there is scarce" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "there is scarce [something]" or "there are scarce [plural noun]." Example: "There is scarce evidence to support the claim."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
There is scarce information on the association between environmental risk factors and Indigenous peoples' health in Australia.
Science
In healthcare there is scarce data to support that a similar strategy can lead to better outcomes.
Science
There is scarce habitat for them, you see.
News & Media
In many countries such as Chile, there is scarce official information for generating accurate noise maps.
However, until the date there is scarce information regarding elderly people.
Science
However, there is scarce implantation of these systems in the field of HIV infection.
Since cultivable land there is scarce, they live in scattered isolated hamlets.
Encyclopedias
However, there is scarce information on cortical neurochemical changes associated with haloperidol effects on visual function.
Science
Conclusion: Overall, there is scarce evidence of efficacy and safety as regards adjunctive strategies for CLZ-resistant patients.
I agree that, when there is scarce space in the press gallery to be allocated, someone needs to decide who should get this space and who shouldn't.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
However, there is scarce knowledge regarding the types of PQI that are found relevant by other stakeholders.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When indicating scarcity, ensure your sentence is grammatically sound by using "there is little" or "there are few" instead of "there is scarce". For example, prefer "There is little evidence".
Common error
Avoid using "scarce" directly after "there is". Instead, use "little" or rephrase to "scarce resources". The adjective "scarce" should modify a noun directly: "There are scarce resources".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "there is scarce" is typically used to indicate a limited quantity or availability of something. However, it's important to note that according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The word 'scarce' should directly modify a noun, rather than following "there is" directly.
Frequent in
Science
58%
News & Media
25%
Encyclopedias
3%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "there is scarce" is frequently used across various contexts to indicate a limited quantity or availability. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect; the adjective 'scarce' should directly modify a noun. While examples show usage in science, news, and encyclopedias, it's recommended to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "there is "little"", "there is a "lack of"", or "there are scarce resources" to ensure clarity and correctness in writing. Best practice is to ensure the word scarce directly precedes the noun it describes.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
there is little
Emphasizes a small quantity, similar to "scarce" but using a more common term.
there is limited
Indicates a restriction in amount or availability, focusing on the constraint aspect.
there is a lack of
Highlights the absence of something, providing a more direct expression of deficiency.
there is a shortage of
Suggests a deficit, often implying a need or demand that cannot be met.
there is a paucity of
Uses a more formal term to denote a small or insufficient quantity.
there is a dearth of
Emphasizes a severe lack or scarcity, often in a broader or more impactful sense.
there is a deficiency of
Focuses on the inadequacy or incompleteness of something, highlighting the missing element.
there is a trickle of
Indicates a very small and gradual supply or flow, emphasizing the slow rate of availability.
there is a sprinkling of
Suggests a scattered and sparse presence, often used for intangible things like evidence or examples.
there is barely any
Implies a minimal amount, close to none, stressing the almost complete absence.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say "there is scarce"?
No, the phrase "there is scarce" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct usage would be "there is a scarce [noun]" or "there are scarce [plural noun]". It's better to say "there is "little"" or "there is a lack of".
What's the difference between "there is scarce" and "there is little"?
"There is scarce" is not considered grammatically correct. "There is "little"" is the correct way to express a small quantity or amount. For example, "There is little time left" is correct, while "There is scarce time left" is not.
How can I rephrase "there is scarce" to sound more natural?
Instead of "there is scarce", you can use phrases like "there is "limited"", "there is "little"", "there is a "paucity of"", or "there is a "lack of"". For instance, "There is limited information available" sounds more natural than "There is scarce information available".
When is it appropriate to use the word "scarce"?
The adjective "scarce" is appropriate when it directly modifies a noun. For example, "Scarce resources" or "Scarce opportunities". You can also use it after verbs like "become": "Resources have become scarce". It's less common and grammatically questionable to use it directly after "there is".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested