are sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sufficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that there is enough of something to meet a desired or required level. Example: The funds available for the project are sufficient to cover all expenses.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Overall supplies are sufficient.

The New York Times

Existing laws are sufficient.

The New York Times

Do you think these targets are sufficient?

The Guardian

There are sufficient doubts about his business judgment".

The Guardian

Fortunately, the serving portions are sufficient, but not gluttonous.

The New York Times

"Neither," she added, "are sufficient answers in themselves".

The New York Times

World War II and the Holocaust are sufficient historical reminders.

The New York Times

All those are sufficient reasons for desiring his victory.

The New Yorker

If there are sufficient socks, try making your own zoo.

Independent

Such problems are sufficient to give some oil companies pause.

The Economist

The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are sufficient", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the context makes it clear what the subject is sufficient for. For instance, "The resources are sufficient to complete the project."

Common error

Avoid using "are sufficient" without clearly stating what is being deemed sufficient. Vague statements like "These are sufficient" lack clarity and can confuse the reader. Always specify what the subject is sufficient for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sufficient" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by asserting that it meets a certain requirement or is adequate for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates there's enough of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are sufficient" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to indicate that something is adequate or meets a required standard. As the examples show, it's commonly found in science and news contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key, always specify what the subject is sufficient for to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "are adequate" or "suffice" offer similar meanings, but with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are adequate

Uses a direct synonym for "sufficient", emphasizing the acceptability of meeting a requirement.

meet the requirements

Explicitly states that the requirements are fulfilled, emphasizing compliance.

are enough

Simpler and more informal way to express sufficiency, focusing on quantity.

are satisfactory

Focuses on meeting a certain standard or expectation, highlighting approval.

suffice

Single verb form, conveying the meaning of being adequate or enough; more concise.

are ample

Suggests a generous amount or more than enough, implying abundance.

prove adequate

Shifts the focus to demonstrating or confirming the adequacy of something.

are competent

Indicates capability or ability to fulfill a need or requirement effectively.

measure up

An idiomatic way of saying something meets the required standard or expectation.

fill the bill

An informal idiom meaning to be suitable or adequate for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How do I use "are sufficient" in a sentence?

Use "are sufficient" to indicate that something is adequate or enough for a particular purpose. For example: "The funds "are sufficient" to cover the expenses."

What can I say instead of "are sufficient"?

You can use alternatives like "are adequate", "are enough", or "suffice" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "are sufficient" or "is sufficient"?

"Are sufficient" is used with plural subjects, while "is sufficient" is used with singular subjects. For example: "The funds are sufficient" vs. "The budget is sufficient."

What's the difference between "are sufficient" and "are adequate"?

While both convey a sense of being enough, "are sufficient" suggests meeting a specific need or requirement, whereas "are adequate" implies a general acceptability or suitability. They're largely interchangeable, but "adequate" might suggest a minimum level, whereas "sufficient" can imply more than the bare minimum is available.