Barely enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Barely enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount or quality of something is just sufficient, but not more than that. Example: "The funds we raised were barely enough to cover the costs of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barely enough to cover the taxi fare to a motel.

Vice

It is barely enough money.

The New York Times

"And that's just barely enough".

The New York Times

We're making barely enough to get by.

The New York Times

-- barely enough to cover the essentials.

The New York Times

The 600 square feet seemed barely enough for her.

The New York Times

However, this is barely enough for any realistic optimism.

The Guardian

There was barely enough room for a bed.

The New York Times

There is barely enough food to go around.

The New York Times

There is barely enough reagent to test blood donations.

The Guardian

Social Security disability is barely enough to live on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Barely enough", consider whether you want to emphasize the narrowness of the margin. If you intend to, follow it with specific details to illustrate the scarcity.

Common error

Avoid using "Barely enough" when the amount is clearly insufficient. The phrase implies it meets a minimum threshold, albeit narrowly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Barely enough" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the quantity or quality of something is at the minimum level required. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Barely enough" is a common and grammatically sound way to express minimal sufficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s readily usable in English across various contexts. It functions as an adjectival phrase and appears frequently in news media, but is versatile enough for formal, informal, and professional settings. When using this phrase, make sure to emphasize the scarcity and to avoid it when describing clearly insufficient amounts. Consider related phrases such as "just sufficient" or "hardly sufficient" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Just sufficient

Emphasizes the idea of meeting the minimum requirement, removing any implication of excess.

Hardly sufficient

Highlights the inadequacy and the nearness to falling short.

Scarcely adequate

Indicates a level of adequacy that is minimal and potentially questionable.

Only just enough

Stresses the narrow margin by which the requirement is met.

Almost insufficient

Focuses on the potential for the quantity or quality to be inadequate.

Minimally acceptable

Conveys the idea that the standard is barely being met, with little room for error.

By a whisker

Figurative language implying that something barely succeeds or is adequate.

At the low end

Points out the quantity is near the lower limit of what is expected or acceptable.

Slightly adequate

Indicates a level of adequacy, with a suggestion of marginality.

To a limited extent

Conveys the idea that something is adequate in a restricted or constrained way.

FAQs

How can I use "Barely enough" in a sentence?

You can use "Barely enough" to describe a situation where something is just sufficient to meet a need or requirement. For example, "The budget was "barely enough" to cover the expenses".

What are some alternatives to saying "Barely enough"?

Some alternatives to "Barely enough" include "just sufficient", "hardly sufficient", or "scarcely adequate". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "Barely enough" in formal writing?

Yes, "Barely enough" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its suitability depends more on the context than the level of formality.

What's the difference between "Barely enough" and "Not enough"?

"Barely enough" indicates that something is minimally sufficient, whereas "Not enough" implies a clear deficiency. "Barely enough" suggests a close call, while "Not enough" indicates a failure to meet the required amount.