when we were short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we were short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time in the past when there was a lack of something, such as resources, time, or personnel. Example: "When we were short on staff, we had to work overtime to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Don Segundo, from the restaurant, who had fed me for free a hundred times when we were short.

The New Yorker

Such nights didn't come often, only when we were short on food, when it was cold, and, maybe, when Mama felt even more like a widow than usual.

The New Yorker

Most fans gave up on him when we were short of forwards in June and he only managed seven minutes of the game against Portland �� when surely he could have played through.

The Guardian - Sport

When we were short of money for our youth programs, they sent a check for $2,600, and they bought a new $1,000 oil burner for a woman who lost her husband".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We say jokingly that we communicate in 'Runglish,' " Mr. Krikalev said, "so that when we are short of words in one language we can use the other".

The New York Times

When we are short of money or run into a financial emergency, our options are not great unless we have generous friends or relatives.

The Guardian - Money

When we're short on cash, money flies out of the wall of the bank -- even at 2 a.m.

Huffington Post

"When we are short staffed by upward of 200 workers, the result has been significant delays and backlogs that are undoubtedly impacting eligibility, recertification, and those who receive benefits," he told me.

Vice

As one MA health coach indicated, "Sometimes clinic demands interfere- like we need to help out the clinic flow, or when we are short on manpower.

BMC Health Services Research

Sometimes when we are short of staff I have to move from one room to the next to see clients waiting there, but at least it's just nearby… even for the client to walk.

BMC Health Services Research

"When we're short staffed it puts people under pressure and you tend to have to prioritise things so you tend to do the more urgent stuff and the conversations that really build and support health literacy tend to fall away".

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we were short" to describe past situations of scarcity or deficiency. This phrase is suitable for contexts where you want to convey a temporary lack of resources, funds, or personnel.

Common error

Avoid using "when we were short" in contexts where you mean physically small or young. Instead, use "when we were younger" or "when we were little" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we were short" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when a particular situation occurred. It provides temporal context, indicating circumstances existing during a specific period in the past. Ludwig AI indicates its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we were short" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. It is used to describe past situations of scarcity or deficiency, setting the context for related events. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding confusion with physical stature. Alternative phrases like "when we experienced a shortage" or "when our resources were scarce" can be used for variety or increased formality. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility across different communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we experienced a shortage

Replaces "were short" with a more formal expression, focusing on the experience of a shortage.

when we had a deficit

Emphasizes the lack or deficiency in terms of a deficit, suitable for financial or resource contexts.

when our resources were scarce

Highlights the scarcity of resources during a particular time.

in times of scarcity

A more general and abstract phrase referring to periods of limited resources.

when we lacked

Focuses on the absence or lack of something necessary.

when we were lacking in

Similar to 'when we lacked' but specifies the area of deficiency using 'in'.

when we were deficient in

Highlights a deficiency in a particular area, often used for essential resources or qualities.

when we faced limitations

Emphasizes facing constraints or restrictions due to a lack of something.

when supplies ran low

Indicates a situation where available supplies diminished significantly.

when we were strapped for cash

Specifically refers to a shortage of money.

FAQs

How can I use "when we were short" in a sentence?

You can use "when we were short" to describe a time of deficiency or lack. For instance, "When we were short on staff, we had to work longer hours" or "When we were short of funds, we postponed the project".

What phrases can I use instead of "when we were short"?

Alternatives include "when we experienced a shortage", "when we had a deficit", or "when our resources were scarce", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "when we were short"?

Yes, "when we were short" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a past period where there was a deficiency of something, such as money, staff, or resources.

What's the difference between "when we were short" and "when we lacked"?

"When we were short" often implies a temporary or specific deficiency, while "when we lacked" suggests a more general absence or deficiency. For example, "when we were short on time" versus "when we lacked experience".