They eat nuts when food is scarce.

Meaning: Squirrels eat nuts when there is not enough other food available.

Choice of Words: They refers to the squirrels. Eat means to consume food. Nuts are small, hard-shelled fruits. When shows the time or condition under which the squirrels eat nuts. Scarce means not easily available or in short supply.

Alternative Expressions

When food is not easy to find, they eat nuts.

Meaning: This sentence has the same meaning as the original sentence, but it is written in a different way.

Choice of Words: When means at the time that. Food is anything that people or animals can eat to get energy. Not easy to find means that it is difficult to locate or obtain. They refers to the people who are eating the nuts. Eat means to consume food or drink. Nuts are small, hard fruits that grow on trees.

In times of food shortage, they turn to nuts for sustenance.

Meaning: This sentence has the same meaning as the original sentence, but it is written in a more formal way.

Choice of Words: In times of means during periods of. Food shortage means when there is not enough food available. They refers to the people who are eating the nuts. Turn to means to rely on or use something. Nuts are small, hard fruits that grow on trees. Sustenance means food or nourishment.

Related Expressions