a sufficient supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sufficient supply" is both correct and commonly used in written English.
It means enough or an adequate amount of something. You can use it in a sentence to describe a quantity of something that is enough to meet a particular need or demand. For example: - We need to ensure we have a sufficient supply of food and water for the camping trip. - The factory has been shut down due to a lack of a sufficient supply of raw materials. - The medication dosage should be adjusted to maintain a sufficient supply in the patient's system. - The country is facing a drought and needs a sufficient supply of rain to replenish its water sources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem was getting a sufficient supply.

The New Yorker

"We are working to create a sufficient supply of shares to meet investor demand at I.P.O.

The New York Times

What technologies can ensure a sufficient supply of environmentally sustainable energy to all people?

Columbia University

So that's what happens if you have a sufficient supply of older housing.

University of California, Berkeley

This means the brain is not getting a sufficient supply of blood over the long term.

Harvard University

Elsewhere, the fire brigade has activated extra hydrants at the station to ensure there is a sufficient supply of water.

The Guardian

To be sure, having a sufficient supply of wine to last through Brexit is a lesser concern.

The Washington Post

A sufficient supply of dissolved oxygen (DO) is vital for life in higher organisms.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

The grid is generated for each match according to rules that ensure a sufficient supply of vowels and consonants.

The Economist

Despite a strike at Falconbridge's Sudbury smelter, now in its third month, there is still a sufficient supply of metal.

The Economist

The OECD has warned that "without a sufficient supply response, some measures could create upward pressure on house prices".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context to determine if a more descriptive adjective than "sufficient" (e.g. "ample", "plentiful") would better convey the intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "sufficient" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In less formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "enough" or "plenty of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient supply" functions as a noun phrase, where "sufficient" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "supply". According to Ludwig, it's commonly used to describe an adequate amount of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient supply" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate an adequate quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While grammatically sound, remember to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "enough" in more casual settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "sufficient" modifying "supply", and aims to communicate that there is an adequate amount to meet a specific need. Related alternatives include "an adequate supply" and "a plentiful supply", each offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "adequate", implying just enough to meet the requirements.

an ample supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "ample", suggesting more than enough or a generous amount.

a plentiful supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "plentiful", indicating an abundance or a large quantity.

a satisfactory supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "satisfactory", focusing on meeting a specific need or standard.

enough supply

Uses "enough" as a direct synonym for "sufficient", simplifying the phrase.

a reasonable supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "reasonable", implying an amount that is fair and appropriate for the situation.

a decent supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "decent", suggesting a moderately acceptable quantity.

a substantial supply

Replaces "sufficient" with "substantial", indicating a considerable or significant amount.

a full supply

Emphasizes the completeness of the supply, ensuring all needs are met.

an inexhaustible supply

Suggests the supply is so abundant that it will never run out.

FAQs

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

Use "a sufficient supply" to indicate that there is enough of something to meet a need or requirement. For example, "The hospital has a sufficient supply of medication to treat all patients."

What are some alternatives to "a sufficient supply"?

You can use alternatives like "an adequate supply", "an ample supply", or "enough supply" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sufficient supply" or "adequate supply"?

Both "sufficient supply" and "adequate supply" are correct, but "sufficient" suggests just meeting the requirement, while "adequate" may imply a slightly higher standard.

What does it mean to have "a sufficient supply" of something?

Having "a sufficient supply" means that there is enough of something available to meet the current or anticipated demand or need. The term is often used in discussions of resources, materials, or provisions.