a sufficient sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sufficient sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an amount of money or resources that is adequate for a particular purpose or need. Example: "To fund the project, we need to raise a sufficient sum to cover all expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They will get £1 for every hour they work when they finish their contract Q: Is that a sufficient sum?

The Guardian

While investment growth should provide your savings with a boost, it is also necessary to contribute a sufficient sum throughout your working life.

Independent

No moneylender in his right mind would, at any rate of interest, advance a sufficient sum to buy the necessary items for each daughter: beds, a dresser, trunks, electric fans, dishes, six suits of clothes for the groom, six for the bride, perhaps a television, and on and on and on.

The New Yorker

A sufficient sum of initial clinical trials has shown feasibility and safety of this approach at least and also suggested the therapeutic effect (though preliminary), encouraging further study for this approach to become an established generic treatment.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

By Robert M. Coates The New Yorker, October 17 , 1931 P. 11A mother sent her daughter in the North a cheque for the sufficient sum, but signed it "Mamma".

The New Yorker

With bets on foreign exchange differences ballooning to $4 trillion daily, a minute tax would generate sufficient sums, while slowing the rapid, destabilizing, speculative transfers of capital across national borders.

The New York Times

The "burden" on commerce reduces itself to mere cost, because there was no finding, and no evidence to support a finding, that, by the expenditure of sufficient sums of money, the railroads could not enable themselves to carry goods and passengers just as quickly and efficiently with short trains as with long trains.

Cornell University

Other Europeans, with Germany in the lead, were willing to kick in enough for Athens to close its deficits over a period of years, but they would not offer up sufficient sums for the Greeks to spend their way out of the desert.

The New Yorker

That assumes, of course, that the platforms are able to raise sufficient sums to lend or invest in the larger deals.

Independent

Significantly, no OPEC nation, except perhaps Saudi Arabia, is investing sufficient sums in new technologies and recovery methods to achieve such growth.

Huffington Post

This amounted to $150,000 a year--a sum sufficient to insure success to Mr. Ochs's venture, at a time when it seemed highly probable that otherwise it would end in disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sufficient sum", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sum is sufficient for. Providing this context adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a sufficient sum" when the amount is actually excessive or more than necessary. The term implies adequacy, not abundance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient sum" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an amount of money or resources that is adequate for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI explains that it highlights whether the sum satisfies some requirements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient sum" is a noun phrase used to describe an amount of money or resources that is adequate for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase appears across different contexts, its frequency is rare. When using it, ensure clarity by specifying what the sum is sufficient for and avoid using it when describing excessive amounts. Related alternatives include "an adequate amount" and "a satisfactory sum".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate amount

Focuses on the adequacy of the quantity rather than specifically referring to money.

a satisfactory sum

Emphasizes that the amount is acceptable or meets expectations.

a requisite amount

Highlights the necessity of the quantity for a specific purpose.

a suitable sum

Indicates that the amount is appropriate for a given situation or need.

enough money

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic components, focusing on monetary sufficiency.

a fair amount

Suggests that the quantity is reasonable or just, often in the context of payment or compensation.

a considerable sum

Emphasizes that the amount is significant or noteworthy, though not necessarily sufficient.

an ample amount

Indicates that the quantity is more than enough, possibly exceeding what is strictly needed.

a fitting amount

Highlights the appropriateness of the quantity in relation to a specific context or purpose.

the necessary funds

Specifically refers to monetary resources that are essential for a particular undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "a sufficient sum" in a sentence?

You can use "a sufficient sum" when referring to an amount of money or resources that is adequate for a particular purpose or need. For example: "To fund the project, we need to raise "a sufficient sum" to cover all expenses."

What are some alternatives to "a sufficient sum"?

Some alternatives to "a sufficient sum" include "an adequate amount", "a satisfactory sum", or "enough money" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a sum sufficient" instead of "a sufficient sum"?

While "a sum sufficient" is grammatically valid, "a sufficient sum" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing in modern English. In legal or formal contexts, "a sum sufficient" may occasionally appear.

What's the difference between "a sufficient sum" and "a considerable sum"?

"A sufficient sum" implies the amount is enough to meet a specific need. "A considerable sum" indicates a large amount, but not necessarily enough for any particular purpose. They are not interchangeable; a sum can be considerable but still not sufficient.