we are short of that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are short of that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of something or insufficient quantity of a particular item or resource. Example: "Unfortunately, we are short of that material needed for the project, so we will have to delay the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The UN has asked for $8bn and we are short of that".

The Guardian

"We've played some good teams and we've shown that we are short of that level at this moment in time". Cardiff are away to 10th-placed Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 7 February and Slade denied he is under pressure.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If we're short of that, we'll have more work to do, but once we achieve it, I think we'll be the nominee".

The New York Times

At times you go [to the Ministry and] unexpectedly they will say we are short of this or that.

BMC Health Services Research

We are short of the infrastructure that we need to deliver the future.

The Guardian

The reality of it is that we are short of the work culture that they have here at Exeter and other Premiership sides have".

BBC

With 55 senate seats, the Republicans are short of that magic number to overcome filibusters.

The Guardian

Our problem is not that we are short of information about this new force in our lives.

The Guardian - Books

Lady Williams, who retired from Parliament this week, said it was a "serious mistake" to "press on with the imposition of a new contract at a time when it's already quite clear that we are short of doctors and nurses".

Independent

With the Olympics and the royal wedding, it's not as if we are short of a do, if you like that kind of thing, and some people don't.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not that we are short of time or have too much of it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are short of that", ensure the context clearly identifies what "that" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "we are short of that" without explicitly stating what is lacking. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Always specify what 'that' represents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are short of that" functions as a statement indicating a deficit or lack of something. Ludwig confirms this is correct. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from financial resources to necessary infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are short of that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate a deficiency or lack of something. According to Ludwig, it's deemed correct and usable in written English. The expression appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. Related phrases include "we lack that" and "we don't have enough of that". When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly specifying what "that" refers to, and avoid vague references. As Ludwig shows, this phrase serves to communicate a need or limitation in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we lack that

Replaces "are short of" with "lack", indicating a deficiency.

we don't have enough of that

Uses a more explicit way to express the lack of something.

we are lacking in that

Replaces "short of" with "lacking in", indicating a deficiency.

we are deficient in that

Employs a more formal tone with "deficient in".

we have a deficit of that

Uses "deficit" to express a shortage in a more quantitative way.

we haven't got enough of that

Uses "haven't got" for a more informal tone, indicating insufficient quantity.

that is insufficient for us

Focuses on the inadequacy of the quantity for a specific need.

that is in short supply for us

Indicates that something is scarce for a particular group.

our supply of that is limited

Highlights the restriction in the amount available.

we are understocked with that

Refers specifically to a shortage in inventory or supplies.

FAQs

How can I use "we are short of that" in a sentence?

You can use "we are short of that" to indicate a deficiency or lack of something. For example, "We need more funding; "we are short of that" required to complete the project".

What can I say instead of "we are short of that"?

You can use alternatives like "we lack that", "we don't have enough of that", or "we are deficient in that" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we are short of that"?

Yes, the phrase ""we are short of that"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a lack or deficiency.

What's the difference between "we are short of that" and "we lack that"?

"We are short of that" implies a specific deficiency, while "we lack that" indicates a general absence. The former is often used for quantities, the latter for qualities or resources.