Grammar fix
scarce
in short supply
Not available in large enough numbers or amounts.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Affordable housing is scarce in the city centre.
In my area, well-paid part-time jobs are scarce, which makes it difficult for students to support themselves while studying.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: There are scarce of affordable homes.
Say: Affordable homes are scarce. / There is a scarcity of affordable homes.
'Scarce' is an adjective, so do not use it after 'there are' with 'of'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Very hard to find
How formal?ConversationalMore formal
thin on the groundMainly British: too few people or things are available.few and far betweenExamples or opportunities are uncommon and widely separated.
scarceYou're here · The plain, more formal adjective: 'Water is scarce.' Common in news and writing; the idioms are chattier.