an insufficient amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an insufficient amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is not enough to meet a requirement or expectation. Example: "The project was delayed due to an insufficient amount of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inadequate response to therapy may reflect misdiagnosis or delivery of an insufficient amount of energy.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

With type 2 diabetes, the body either produces an insufficient amount of insulin or is unable to use it properly.

Columbia University

However, the results indicate that an insufficient amount is present to form critical nuclei necessary to induce the conversion reaction.

Electrochimica Acta

When preparing such decisions, an insufficient amount of support exists to calculate with reasonable effort the complexity costs.

Procedia CIRP

Many students have lunch periods that are 20 minutes or less, which can be an insufficient amount of time to eat, according to the authors.

Harvard University

And in the mind of at least one European official, an insufficient amount of information might have been a factor behind the recent market turmoil.

The New York Times

With an insufficient amount of pore former (35 vol.%), the as-sprayed coating surface has a higher surface roughness (Ra = 12 13 μm).

Surface and Coatings Technology

However, there seems to be an insufficient amount of effort in the decision-making related to the accuracy and the reliability of the effective rate.

Soils and Foundations

For the pioneering Bringbee concept from Switzerland, an insufficient amount of partners caused them to cease activities [59].

European Transport Research Review

Histologic findings revealed that an insufficient amount of smooth-muscle cells existed in the muscularis propria, whereas compensated growth was observed in the submucosa with nerve regeneration.

Duke University

For example, an Alimony and Maintenance Trust may be under-funded (an insufficient amount of income is being generated by the assets in the trust).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an insufficient amount", ensure the context clearly defines what is lacking and the consequences of that deficiency. For example, specify "an insufficient amount of funding" rather than just "an insufficient amount."

Common error

Avoid using "an insufficient amount" without specifying what is lacking. For example, instead of saying "the project failed due to an insufficient amount", specify "the project failed due to an insufficient amount of resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an insufficient amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity is not adequate or enough. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an insufficient amount" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to denote a lack or inadequacy. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts, and can be used in a range of writing styles from neutral to formal. While generally safe to use, ensure the context is clear about what is lacking. Remember that alternatives like "a deficient quantity" or "not enough" can sometimes be more concise. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, cementing it as a reliable choice for expressing insufficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deficient quantity

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and "insufficient" with "deficient", both suggesting a lack.

an inadequate supply

Similar to "insufficient amount" but uses "inadequate" and "supply" to convey the lack.

a scarce supply

Focuses on the limited availability of something, using "scarce" instead of "insufficient".

a limited quantity

Emphasizes the restriction in number or amount, using "limited" as a substitute for "insufficient".

a paucity of

Uses "paucity" to indicate a small or insufficient quantity of something.

a shortage of

Highlights the deficit or lack of something, emphasizing the unavailability.

a dearth of

Indicates a scarcity or lack of something, often implying a negative consequence.

too little

A more direct and concise way of saying "an insufficient amount", focusing on the lack.

not enough

A simpler and more common expression indicating a lack of sufficiency.

a trickle of

Implies that the amount is barely noticeable and certainly not sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "an insufficient amount" in a sentence?

You can use "an insufficient amount" to describe a situation where something is lacking or inadequate. For example: "The experiment failed due to "an insufficient amount of data"."

What are some alternatives to "an insufficient amount"?

Alternatives include "a deficient quantity", "a limited quantity", or "not enough", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "insufficient amount" or "inadequate amount"?

Both "insufficient amount" and "inadequate amount" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to express. "Insufficient" suggests a lack of what is needed, while "inadequate" suggests that something is not good enough.

What's the difference between "an insufficient amount" and "a significant amount"?

"An insufficient amount" indicates that there is too little of something, while "a significant amount" indicates that there is a large or noteworthy quantity. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a spectrum.