Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are neither sufficient
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are neither sufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the inadequacy of certain conditions, resources, or arguments in a particular context. Example: "The evidence presented in the report are neither sufficient to support the claims made nor convincing to the audience."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
17 human-written examples
It is indicated that the current experimental data of nanofluids thermal properties are neither sufficient nor reliable for engineering applications.
Science
The consequence is, that two out of the three lives which have been proposed are neither sufficient nor eligible for man or for animal.
The empirical literature, as it has developed so far, raises concerns that deserve significant attention, but are neither sufficient to establish that CCOs engage in selective omission nor well designed to test certain other plausible casual mechanisms.
Academia
But, sadly, these are neither sufficient nor ultimately effective.
News & Media
Finally, olfactory cues are neither sufficient nor necessary to inhibit male male courtship, but elicit attractive stimuli when originating from females as well as males (M20, M21).
Science
Contrary to a recent report, which claims that males without the olfactory pheromone receptor, Or67d, for 11-cis-vaccenyl acVAate (cVA) inappropriately court intact males [28], we find that olfactory cues are neither sufficient nor necessary to inhibit male male courtship (Figure 9).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
Societal levers today safeguard some socially valuable services, but the present policy environment is neither sufficient nor sufficiently integrated to achieve coherence between the choices of resource owners and wider societal aspirations for ecosystem service provision.
Science
The genes were neither sufficient, nor necessary, to make any of the men gay.
News & Media
Although, apparently, they were "neither sufficient nor necessary, to make any of the men gay".
News & Media
Despite being desirable, this is neither sufficient nor necessary for a model to be useful for decision support.
Science
There is neither sufficient monetary easing nor enough structural reform to accompany the stimulus, and investment has failed to recover.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "are neither sufficient", ensure you clearly define what the subject is insufficient for. Providing this context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "are neither sufficient" with singular nouns. Since "are" is plural, ensure the subject is also plural or collective. For example, instead of "This data are neither sufficient", use "This data is insufficient" or "These data are neither sufficient".
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "are neither sufficient" is to serve as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as lacking the necessary qualities or quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is used to indicate inadequacy.
Frequent in
Science
41%
News & Media
24%
Academia
18%
Less common in
Formal & Business
12%
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "are neither sufficient" functions as a predicate adjective expressing inadequacy. It is grammatically correct and commonly employed across science, news, and academic domains. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to denote that something fails to meet the necessary requirements or standards. When employing this phrase, clearly state what it is insufficient for. While grammatically sound, ensure it aligns with the plural nature of "are". For alternative phrasing, consider options like "are inadequate" or "are not enough" to match the specific context. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and broad acceptance in various writing styles.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are not enough
Emphasizes a lack of quantity or degree to meet a need.
are inadequate
Highlights the unsuitability or deficiency for a specific purpose.
are insufficient
A formal way of stating that something is not adequate or enough.
do not suffice
A more emphatic way of saying that something is not enough to meet the requirements.
fall short of the mark
Indicates failure to reach a desired standard or goal.
are not up to par
Suggests that the standard is not met, often in terms of quality or performance.
are deficient
Focuses on a specific lack or shortcoming.
prove to be lacking
Highlights the discovered absence of necessary qualities or resources.
are wanting
Indicates that something is missing or needed.
fail to measure up
Implies that something does not meet the required criteria or expectations.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "are neither sufficient" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, consider using "are inadequate" or "are insufficient". These options often suit academic or professional writing contexts.
What's a simpler way to say "are neither sufficient"?
You can simplify it by saying "are not enough". This alternative is more straightforward and suitable for everyday conversation.
When is it appropriate to use "are neither sufficient" in a sentence?
Use "are neither sufficient" when you want to express that certain conditions, resources, or arguments do not meet the requirements or standards needed for a specific purpose. It indicates a lack of adequacy.
What is the difference between "are neither sufficient" and "are not sufficient"?
While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "are neither sufficient" often implies that you expected them to be adequate in the first place but they are not, whereas "are not sufficient" is a more direct statement of inadequacy without necessarily implying prior expectation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested