answer is sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer is sufficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that the response or explanation is enough or satisfactory. You can use it in various contexts, such as in academic writing, professional emails, or everyday communication. Example: After reviewing the evidence, I believe that the defendant's answer is sufficient to prove their innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He moves me," and his answer is sufficient.

The New Yorker

Be prepared to check whether an answer is sufficient or whether the interviewer would like you to expand on it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That answer was sufficient to persuade all but four Republicans to vote for the bill.

The New York Times

"If you ask a patient whether he or she wants to live or die, and the answer is die, would you be convinced that that answer was sufficient?" said Dr. Joseph J. Fins, chief of the medical ethics division at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.

The New York Times - Health

Though anatomic detail is inferior to CT imaging, resolution is sufficient to answer emergent bedside questions such as mass effect leading to midline shift [18 20] and predict adverse outcomes after stroke [21, 22].

Critical Ultrasound Journal

All the 8 experimentators reported that: 1) the visual presentation was good or very good (8/8); 2) the test was didactic (6/8); 3) the number of questions and answers was sufficient (7/8) and 4) this way of evaluation was pleasant (8/8).

Le Pharmacien Hospitalier

When needed, asking for clarification of the answers was sufficient to elicit ample additional information.

BMC Family Practice

The three GPs were asked whether the questions were unambiguous, and whether the predefined answers were sufficient.

BMC Health Services Research

If the primary goal is to avoid cases in which the voter does not reach a decision, i.e., an answer is better than no answer, than it is sufficient to adopt the voter that reaches a 'No output' result least often (e.g. the median voter) (Pullum [2001]).

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Their work emphasise the value of a tiling strategy which optimises the probe affinities rather than a uniform tiling solution, as long as the obtained coverage is sufficient to answer the biological question asked.

Plosone

As I see it, this inquiry is sufficient to answer the constitutional question because racial gerrymandering offends the Constitution whether the motivation is malicious or benign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In interviews, after providing an answer, pause to allow the interviewer to ask for more details if needed, or ask them directly if your answer is sufficient for them.

Common error

Avoid using "answer is sufficient" when the answer clearly lacks depth or detail. Overstating sufficiency can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer is sufficient" typically functions as a predicate adjective construction, where "answer" is the subject, "is" is the linking verb, and "sufficient" is the adjective describing the state or quality of the answer. As Ludwig AI points out, this indicates the response meets a certain requirement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answer is sufficient" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys the adequacy of a response. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its meaning is straightforward: the response meets a certain requirement or standard. While appropriate for various contexts, including news and scientific discourse, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies what makes the answer "sufficient". Consider alternative phrases like "response is adequate" or "explanation is enough" depending on the tone and nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively employ this phrase in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

response is adequate

Replaces "answer" with "response" and "sufficient" with "adequate", maintaining the same core meaning but with slightly different word choices.

reply is satisfactory

Substitutes "answer" with "reply" and "sufficient" with "satisfactory", emphasizing the fulfillment of expectations.

explanation is enough

Uses "explanation" instead of "answer" and simplifies "sufficient" to "enough", resulting in a more informal tone.

that suffices as an answer

Restructures the phrase to focus on the act of sufficing, adding a degree of formality.

that's an adequate response

Similar to "response is adequate" but rephrased as a statement, making it slightly more assertive.

that's a good enough answer

Replaces "sufficient" with "good enough", implying a level of acceptance that meets the minimum requirement.

that's an acceptable reply

Uses "acceptable" to indicate that the reply meets the necessary standards, without necessarily being outstanding.

the answer is adequate enough

Adds "enough" for emphasis, although this can sometimes be seen as slightly redundant.

the answer is just right

Replaces "sufficient" with a more descriptive term indicating perfect suitability.

the response covers the matter

Shifts the focus to whether the entire matter is covered by the response rather than the quality of the answer itself.

FAQs

How can I use "answer is sufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "answer is sufficient" to indicate that a response is adequate or meets the necessary requirements. For example, "The explanation provided in the manual is sufficient for understanding the basic functions of the device."

What's a more formal alternative to "answer is sufficient"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "response is adequate" or "reply is satisfactory". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a higher degree of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "answer is sufficient"?

While grammatically correct, using "answer is sufficient" might not always be the most effective way to express adequacy. Consider the context and audience to determine if a more descriptive or nuanced phrase would be more suitable. For instance, in a legal setting, "that suffices as an answer" might be preferable.

What does it mean when someone says "the answer is sufficient"?

When someone says "the answer is sufficient", it means that the information provided is enough to address the question or fulfill the requirement. It implies that no further details or explanations are needed.