thin on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin on the ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where there is a lack of something, usually something necessary for success. Here is an example sentence: "With so few resources available, success was thin on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lions, for instance, are thin on the ground: perhaps one pride per 250sq km.

Independent

Altruism is thin on the ground.

The Economist

Green policies are thin on the ground.

Independent

Popular alternatives are thin on the ground.

The Economist

Women are thin on the ground.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Development opportunities were thin on the ground.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, she finds, living examples are thin on the ground.

The New York Times

Private-sector saviours are proving thin on the ground.

The Economist

Intrepid travelers are pretty thin on the ground, anymore.

The New York Times

But policy changes are thin on the ground.

The Economist

Books about classical music are increasingly thin on the ground.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thin on the ground" when you want to emphasize that something is scarce or difficult to find. It's particularly effective when discussing resources, opportunities, or qualities that are desired but not readily available.

Common error

Avoid using "thin on the ground" to describe physical thinness or literal ground conditions. This phrase is idiomatic and refers to scarcity, not physical attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin on the ground" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe the scarcity or lack of something. It modifies a noun to indicate that it is not readily available or abundant, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thin on the ground" is a widely used idiomatic phrase that effectively conveys scarcity or lack of availability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the limited presence of something, but avoid literal interpretations. Alternatives like "scarce" or "in short supply" can be used for variety, but "thin on the ground" provides a distinct emphasis on the limited presence or occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to come by

Indicates that something is difficult to find or obtain.

in short supply

Emphasizes the limited availability of something, focusing on the supply aspect.

insufficient

Emphasizes that there is not enough to meet the demand or need.

few and far between

Highlights the infrequency and rarity of occurrences or items.

limited in number

Specifies that the quantity is restricted or constrained.

not abundant

Directly states the lack of abundance, implying a limited quantity.

scarce

Single word expressing the overall idea of scarcity, while keeping the original meaning.

rarely seen

Highlights the infrequency of visual encounters or appearances.

deficient

Suggests an inadequacy or shortage in a particular aspect.

lacking

Focuses on the deficiency or absence of something needed.

FAQs

How can I use "thin on the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "thin on the ground" to describe a scarcity of something. For example, "Job opportunities are "thin on the ground" in rural areas."

What does it mean when something is described as "thin on the ground"?

It means that whatever is being discussed is scarce, rare, or not readily available. It implies a limited quantity or presence.

What are some alternatives to saying "thin on the ground"?

Alternatives include "scarce", "in short supply", or "few and far between", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "thin on the ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "thin on the ground" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although it is more common in journalistic and general interest contexts rather than highly academic or technical documents.