time is scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time is scarce' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express how there is not enough time to do something. For example: With the tight deadline, I have found that time is scarce.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

All of that consumes time and time is scarce.

Columbia University

Lawmakers work longer and harder when time is scarce.

The Economist

But quiet time is scarce for a freshman.

The Washington Post

It takes time to think, and time is scarce, so life rewards shortcuts.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If access time is scarce, it should be focused more on learning activities that truly grow high-level thinking skills".

The New York Times - Tech

There is a widespread assumption that digital technologies are radically altering our perception of time: that we live too fast, that time is scarce and that the pace of everyday life is accelerating beyond our control.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Time is scarcer now.

The Guardian - Books

One consequence of this devotion, however, is that, for a number of young investment bankers, time is scarcer than money.

The New York Times

Time was scarce, too, as their first child was due in the fall.

The New York Times

Now free time was scarce, thanks to an unceasing flow of fan mail, the minutiae of merchandising, processions of visitors, and, until Lars, one of her brothers, took over, the arduous demands of the comic strip.

The New Yorker

The Federal Election Commission dropped its investigation of those accusations last year, saying the reputed violations were not as serious as those in other cases before the commission, that staff time was scarce and that the statute of limitations might have run out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time is scarce", specify the context to clarify why time is limited, like "Due to the project's tight deadline, time is scarce for additional tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "time is scarce" as a general statement without explaining the constraints. Instead of saying "Time is scarce, so we can't do everything", be specific: "Given the limited resources, time is scarce for extensive testing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is scarce" functions as a statement or observation about the limited availability of time. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or constraint, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time is scarce" is a common expression used to convey the limited availability of time and the constraints it imposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and science. Related phrases, such as "time is limited" or "time is short", offer similar meanings, while the best practice involves providing context to clarify the reasons behind the time scarcity. Avoiding overuse without clear context ensures effective communication. Analyzing its function, purpose, and register reveals its versatility and widespread applicability. With its solid grammatical standing and rich contextual usage, "time is scarce" remains a valuable tool in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is limited

Emphasizes the finite nature of time available.

time is running out

Highlights the urgency and impending end of available time.

there's little time

Indicates a small amount of time is available.

time is short

Similar to scarce, focusing on the brevity of the period.

time is at a premium

Stresses the high value and limited availability of time.

time is tight

Implies a constrained schedule or deadline.

there's no time to spare

Highlights the lack of extra time for delays or mistakes.

time is precious

Emphasizes that time is valuable and should be used wisely.

time is of the essence

States that timing is crucial for success.

time is not on our side

Suggests that the available time is working against achieving a goal.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "time is scarce"?

Saying "time is scarce" means there is a limited amount of time available to complete a task or activity, often creating a sense of urgency or pressure.

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

You can use "time is scarce" to explain why something cannot be done or must be prioritized. For example: "Because of the number of projects we have on our plate, "time is scarce" for new initiatives."

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

You can use alternatives like "time is limited", "time is short", or "time is running out" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "time is scarce" or "time is limited"?

Both "time is scarce" and "time is limited" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "scarce" highlights the inadequacy of time, while "limited" emphasizes the finite nature of time.