are good enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are good enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something meets a certain standard or requirement, but may not exceed expectations. Example: "While the results of the experiment are good enough for our current needs, we should aim for more precise measurements in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Those guys we have are good enough".

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think they are good enough.

The New York Times - Sports

But right now, they are good enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Good ideas are good enough to put to a vote.

The New Yorker

"I'm certain the players are good enough to stay up.

Independent

These people are good enough to earn contracts.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, not if your stories are good enough".

Independent

They are good enough artists to do better.

The New York Times - Arts

They include results that are good enough to eat.

The New York Times - Arts

We are all flawed, but we are good enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over to you: which footballers are good enough to star?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are good enough", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the level of quality or suitability you intend to convey. Avoid using it when a higher standard is expected or required.

Common error

While versatile, "are good enough" can sound dismissive in formal settings. Opt for stronger alternatives like "are sufficient" or "are adequate" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "are good enough" is to act as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state or quality. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its descriptive use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are good enough" serves to indicate that something meets a minimal acceptable standard, without implying exceptional quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, media, and online content. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "are sufficient" in professional or academic settings. By considering its nuanced meaning and register, you can effectively integrate "are good enough" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sufficient

Emphasizes adequacy and meeting requirements.

are adequate

Suggests a basic level of acceptability, potentially implying minimal competence.

are satisfactory

Highlights that the outcome or quality fulfills expectations.

are up to par

Implies meeting a specific standard or norm.

are acceptable

Indicates permission or agreement.

are passable

Suggests barely meeting the minimum requirements.

are competent

Focuses on the ability to perform a task adequately.

are capable

Highlights the potential or ability to achieve a certain level.

are qualified

Implies possessing the necessary skills or credentials.

are suitable

Highlights the appropriateness for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are good enough" in a sentence?

You can use "are good enough" to indicate that something meets a minimum requirement or standard, as in "The initial results "are good enough" to proceed to the next phase of the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "are good enough"?

Alternatives include "are sufficient", "are adequate", or "are satisfactory" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are good enough" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are good enough" may sound informal in certain contexts. Consider more precise alternatives like "are sufficient" or "meet the requirements" for formal writing.

What does "are good enough" imply about the quality of something?

"Are good enough" suggests that something meets a basic standard or requirement without necessarily exceeding expectations. It implies a level of adequacy rather than excellence.