are not sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not sufficient" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is not enough or adequate. It is often used in formal or professional writing to describe a lack or deficiency. For example: - "The available resources are not sufficient to complete the project on time." - "The evidence presented was not sufficient to convince the jury of his guilt." - "Her qualifications are not sufficient for the position she applied for." - "The current security measures are not sufficient to protect against potential threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But these are not sufficient.

Independent

But laws are not sufficient.

The New York Times

"But the current procedures are not sufficient.

The New York Times

Sometimes even those precautions are not sufficient.

The New York Times

Military operations, while necessary, are not sufficient.

The New York Times

The automatic stabilisers are not sufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tweaks to existing rules are not sufficient.

Nature

Most security operations are not sufficient.

Harvard Business Review

The rule of law and the market are not sufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

The measures under discussion are not sufficient at all.

The Guardian

Not that the musical attractions are not sufficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not sufficient", ensure you clarify what specifically is insufficient and what the required need or standard is. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "are not sufficient" without explaining why or what alternative actions should be considered. Lack of context weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not sufficient" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject by indicating a state of inadequacy or insufficiency. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

41%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not sufficient" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something is inadequate or lacking. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used in news, scientific and academic writings, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify exactly what is insufficient and why. While alternatives like "are inadequate" or "are not enough" exist, "are not sufficient" offers a more formal and emphatic tone. Avoid the common error of overstating insufficiency without providing sufficient context or explanation. By understanding the nuances and best practices, you can effectively use "are not sufficient" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not enough

A more direct and simpler way to express that something is lacking in quantity or degree.

are lacking

Focuses on the absence of something necessary or desirable.

are inadequate

Emphasizes a lack of quality or suitability, implying something falls short of what's needed.

fall short

Implies a failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

are wanting

Indicates that something is missing or needed, often in a subtle or understated way.

are deficient

Highlights a specific lack or shortage, often in a measurable or quantifiable way.

do not suffice

A more formal and emphatic way of stating that something is not adequate or acceptable.

prove insufficient

Highlights that something has been tested or tried and found to be inadequate.

aren't up to par

Indicates that something doesn't meet the expected level of quality or performance.

are unavailing

Suggests that efforts or resources have been used without achieving the desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "are not sufficient" in a sentence?

The phrase "are not sufficient" indicates inadequacy. For example, "The current resources "are not sufficient" to meet the growing demand."

What can I say instead of "are not sufficient"?

You can use alternatives like "are inadequate", "are not enough", or "are deficient" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not sufficient"?

Use "are not sufficient" when you want to express that something fails to meet the required standard, amount, or quality. It's suitable for formal and professional communication.

What is the difference between "are not sufficient" and "are insufficient"?

The phrases "are not sufficient" and "are insufficient" are largely interchangeable. "Are insufficient" is a more concise, single-word alternative, while "are not sufficient" offers a slightly more emphatic tone.