are insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

"are insufficient" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence when describing something that is not enough or lacking in some way. Example: The funds provided for the project are insufficient to cover all of the expenses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Voluntary guidelines are insufficient.

The New York Times

These explanations are insufficient.

The Guardian

But these rules are insufficient.

The New York Times

But often these are insufficient.

The Economist

Such measures are insufficient, though.

The New Yorker

But sometimes threats are insufficient.

The New York Times

But for many, these measures are insufficient.

The Guardian

It's clear that there are insufficient data".

The New York Times - Science

Do you think the levels being talked about are insufficient?

The New York Times

Verizon, like Apple, suggests that current laws are insufficient.

The New York Times - Tech

"But either way, this shows that prevention efforts are insufficient".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are insufficient", ensure that you clearly state what is insufficient and what the required amount or standard is. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are insufficient" without clearly specifying what the subject lacks. For example, instead of saying "The resources are insufficient", specify what they're insufficient for: "The resources are insufficient to meet the project's demands".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are insufficient" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a subject as lacking the necessary qualities or quantity. This use is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms it as correct and commonly used. Ludwig examples show it modifying various subjects, indicating a lack of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are insufficient" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is lacking or inadequate. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is insufficient. Alternatives such as "are not enough" or "prove inadequate" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not enough

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way to express that something is lacking.

are not adequate

This alternative conveys that something does not meet the required level of quality or quantity.

are lacking

This alternative highlights the absence of something needed or expected.

are deficient

This alternative emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

prove inadequate

This alternative uses a stronger verb to emphasize the failure to meet requirements.

do not suffice

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate that something is not adequate.

fall short

This alternative is an idiomatic expression indicating a failure to reach a required standard.

are wanting

This alternative is a more literary way of saying that something is missing or needed.

fail to measure up

This alternative emphasizes the failure to meet a particular standard or expectation.

are not up to par

This alternative is an idiomatic expression indicating failure to meet a certain level of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "are insufficient" in a sentence?

The phrase "are insufficient" is used to indicate that something is not enough or does not meet a required standard. For example, "The funds "are insufficient" to cover the costs".

What are some alternatives to saying "are insufficient"?

You can use alternatives such as "are not enough", "are lacking", or "prove inadequate" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "are insufficient" or "is insufficient"?

"Are insufficient" is used with plural subjects, while "is insufficient" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The resources are insufficient" versus "The resource is insufficient".

What is the difference between "are insufficient" and "are inadequate"?

While both phrases express a lack, "are insufficient" often refers to a quantity or amount, while "are inadequate" can refer to a quality or ability. Both phrases can often be used interchangeably but it depends on what you want to focus on.