Be short of means not to have enough of something, to have less than you need: We're short of time. It's most often used about time, money, people and free seats. Run short of means a supply is gradually running out: We're running short of milk. Short of breath is a separate phrase meaning out of breath.
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be short of + noun (time/money/staff); run short of + noun; short of breath
- We're a bit short of money this month, so we're cooking at home.
- The clinic is short of nurses, and the waiting times are getting longer.
- If you're short of time, just read the summary on page two.
What changed
First versionWe are lack of time, so let's skip the coffee break.
RevisionWe are short of time, so let's skip the coffee break.
Lack is a noun or a verb, and it can't follow are: we are lack of mixes two structures. The idea of a lack of time makes lack tempting, but the correct versions are either We are short of time or We lack time, without of.
With the preposition with, the meaning is completely different: be short with someone means to speak to them briefly, coldly and a bit rudely. She was a bit short with me on the phone. Of is about not having enough; with is about tone.
Your turn
We can't take on another project: the team is already ___ staff.
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short of — After is you need an adjective: is short of staff, meaning there aren't enough people. Lack of is a noun phrase, and it can't follow is.
Write about a situation at work or school when something was in short supply. Say exactly what there wasn't enough of and what you did.
Our office was short of laptops last week, so I brought my own from home.
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