were scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

'were scarce' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which there is not a large quantity of something available. For example, "Organic foods were scarce in the small town".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gate-crashers were scarce.

The New Yorker

Transport helicopters were scarce.

The New York Times

Highlights were scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeans were scarce.

The New York Times

Buyers were scarce.

The New Yorker

Jobs were scarce.

The New York Times

Decent dismounts were scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

Consumer goods were scarce.

The Guardian - Business

People were scarce.

The New York Times - Travel

Runs were scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

Working phones were scarce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were scarce", ensure the subject is plural to match the verb conjugation. For instance, "Opportunities were scarce" is grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using "was scarce" when referring to multiple items or a plural subject. The correct form is "were scarce" to maintain subject-verb agreement. For example, instead of writing "Opportunities was scarce", write "Opportunities were scarce".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were scarce" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies that something is uncommon, rare, or insufficient to meet demand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were scarce" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity or availability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in news and media. This phrase functions as a predicate adjective and maintains a neutral register. To ensure grammatical correctness, use "were scarce" with plural subjects. By understanding its appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey scarcity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were limited

Emphasizes a restriction on the quantity or extent of something.

were in short supply

Highlights the insufficient amount of something available.

were few and far between

Indicates that occurrences were infrequent and dispersed.

were uncommon

Suggests that something was not frequently encountered or seen.

were rare

Indicates a very low frequency or availability.

were deficient

Highlights a lack or inadequacy in quantity or quality.

were sparse

Suggests that something was thinly distributed or present.

were at a premium

Highlights the high value placed on something due to its limited availability.

were thin on the ground

Indicates that something was scarcely present or available in a particular area.

were hard to come by

Emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining or finding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "were scarce" to describe situations where something is limited or not readily available, such as "Job opportunities "were scarce" during the recession".

What's the difference between "were scarce" and "were limited"?

"Were scarce" emphasizes a general lack or shortage, while "were limited" suggests a restriction or constraint on the quantity or extent of something. For example, "Resources "were scarce" due to the drought", versus "Access to the building "were limited" to authorized personnel".

What can I say instead of "were scarce"?

You can use alternatives like ""were limited"", "were uncommon", or "were in short supply" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was scarce" instead of "were scarce"?

No, "was scarce" should be used with singular subjects, while "were scarce" is used with plural subjects. For example, "Food was scarce" (singular) versus "Resources "were scarce"" (plural).