very scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

"very scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not easy to find or limited in quantity. For example, "Given the current economic situation, jobs that pay well are very scarce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Social shrimp are very scarce.

The New York Times

It's very scarce," he said.

The New York Times

Good chefs are very scarce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

P. pinaster was very scarce.

Forest Ecology and Management

Liquor, except beer is very scarce.

The New Yorker

Views; shows Plantations by type; very scarce.

Stanford University

Information about Karenne's early life is very scarce.

Columbia University

"The fish are very scarce this close in," he complained.

The New York Times

Rentals within the hamlet are very scarce, he said.

The New York Times

Things are very scarce where we come from.

The Guardian

This very scarce resource is in high demand.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very scarce", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of scarcity. For instance, use it to describe resources, information, or opportunities that are significantly limited.

Common error

Avoid using "very scarce" when "scarce" alone is sufficient. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Ensure the scarcity genuinely warrants the additional emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very scarce" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying an adjective. It serves to emphasize the degree of scarcity, indicating that something is not just limited, but severely so. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

42%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very scarce" is grammatically sound and widely used to express that something is extremely limited or rare. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into news reports, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using "very scarce", ensure that the context truly warrants the emphasis on scarcity. While substitutes like "extremely limited" or "incredibly rare" exist, "very scarce" provides a clear and effective way to highlight critical shortages or uncommon occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short supply

Directly points out the inadequacy of the amount available.

incredibly rare

Highlights the exceptional infrequency and preciousness of something.

extremely limited

Emphasizes the restriction in quantity or availability, intensifying the scarcity.

hard to come by

Highlights the difficulty in obtaining or finding something.

few and far between

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the dispersed and infrequent nature of something.

highly infrequent

Focuses on the rare occurrence of something, rather than its limited quantity.

at a premium

Suggests that something is not only scarce but also highly valued as a result.

thin on the ground

An informal idiom indicating that something is not present in large numbers or amounts.

severely lacking

Indicates a significant deficiency or absence of something.

virtually nonexistent

Suggests something is almost entirely absent.

FAQs

How can I use "very scarce" in a sentence?

"Very scarce" is used to describe something that is limited in quantity or difficult to find. For example, "Clean water is "very scarce" in that region."

What words can I use instead of "very scarce"?

Alternatives to "very scarce" include "extremely limited", "incredibly rare", or "hard to come by" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "very scarce" instead of just "scarce"?

Use "very scarce" when you want to emphasize the extreme limitation or rarity of something. If the scarcity is moderate, "scarce" may be sufficient.

Is there a difference in meaning between "very scarce" and "rare"?

While both indicate something is uncommon, "very scarce" emphasizes limited availability or quantity, whereas "rare" focuses more on infrequent occurrence. Therefore, "incredibly rare" is one of many possible substitutes.