we were strapped for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were strapped for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a lack of something, often resources or time. Example: "During the busy season, we were strapped for cash and had to cut back on expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We bootstrapped to get it off the ground and we were trying to learn about product development and production along the way, so we were strapped for cash and time.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can see we are strapped for cash".

The New York Times

"We're strapped for revenues, and have to turn over every rock".

The New York Times

We are strapped for time and pulled in multiple directions.

Forbes

In part, I'm sure because we're strapped for time.

Forbes

We are not raising money because we are strapped for cash, but because we see the need to build out infrastructure to handle these larger companies and to lock in new warehouses and to accelerate our growth.

Forbes

There was a lot of corporal punishment; people were strapped for next to nothing.

The Guardian

Many of Berg's tenants were strapped for money when they were starting up.

Forbes

Early hunter-gatherers who were strapped for food and warmth, for instance, were largely monogamous or only mildly polygamous.

Science Magazine

Makeshift shelters were strapped for diapers, shoes and blankets.

Los Angeles Times

We've had clients who've been strapped for cash and have wondered whether or not to drop us, and every time they've kept us on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were strapped for", be specific about what resource was lacking. Providing context clarifies the situation and makes your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "we are strapped for" when referring to a past situation. Ensure the tense aligns with the time frame you're describing to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were strapped for" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of resources. It typically acts as a clause within a larger sentence, providing context or explanation for a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were strapped for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past lack of resources, time, or money. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts like news, business and academia. When using the phrase, ensure the tense aligns with the time frame and specify the lacking resource for clarity. Alternatives such as "we were short on" or "we lacked" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Be mindful of context to provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were short on

Emphasizes a deficiency or insufficiency in a particular resource.

we had a shortage of

Highlights a specific lack or deficit of something.

we lacked

A more direct and general way to express a deficiency.

we were deficient in

Focuses on a measurable or quantifiable lack.

we were pressed for

Similar meaning, but refers more to time rather than money.

we were running low on

Indicates a gradual depletion of resources.

we were in need of

Highlights the necessity for a particular resource.

we were experiencing a scarcity of

Emphasizes a general lack or shortage.

we had limited

A simple and direct way to indicate a restriction in availability.

our resources were strained

Focuses on the resources being overstretched or insufficient.

FAQs

What does "we were strapped for" mean?

It means that a group or individual lacked something, usually resources like money, time, or supplies. It indicates a state of being limited or restricted due to scarcity.

What can I say instead of "we were strapped for"?

You can use alternatives like "we were short on", "we lacked", or "we were pressed for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are strapped for"?

Yes, "we are strapped for" is correct when referring to a present situation. The tense should match the time frame you're describing.

How to use "we were strapped for" in a sentence?

For example, "During the initial startup phase, we were strapped for cash and had to make tough decisions." This shows a lack of funds in the past.