be short of

Meaning

This expression means to not have enough of something, such as time, money, space, or staff. It indicates a shortage or deficit, but is less formal than using words like 'deficient' or 'insufficient.'

Examples

• I'd love to help you move this weekend, but I'm really short of time.

  I'd love to help you move this weekend, but I'm really short of time.

• We are currently short of staff, so service might be a bit slower than usual.

  We are currently short of staff, so service might be a bit slower than usual.

• If you are short of cash, I can lend you a few dollars for lunch.

  If you are short of cash, I can lend you a few dollars for lunch.

• Our apartment is great, but we are a bit short of storage space.

  Our apartment is great, but we are a bit short of storage space.

• The team was short of breath after running up the steep hill.

  The team was short of breath after running up the steep hill.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am short with money this month.

  ✓ I am short of money this month.

  The correct preposition to use after 'short' in this context is 'of', not 'with'.

• ✗ We are shorting of time.

  ✓ We are short of time.

  'Short' is an adjective here, not a verb. Use the verb 'to be' + 'short of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Can we make this meeting quick? I'm extremely ___ time today.

  💡 lacking enough

  Show answer

  short of

• The charity is ___ volunteers, so they are asking for more people to join.

  💡 not having enough

  Show answer

  short of