are well enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are well enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is satisfactory or acceptable in a particular context. Example: "Although the results are not perfect, they are well enough to proceed with the next phase of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some of the characters are well enough drawn.

The New York Times - Arts

Customers who merely feel punk are well enough to be touchy.

The New Yorker

When patients are well enough to leave intensive care, they are transferred to traditional rooms.

The New York Times

Three patients are well enough to go home and have been discharged".

The Guardian

The special effects and the big action sequences are well enough handled.

The Guardian - Film

This means both providers are well enough funded to keep ­running.

The Guardian

Footballers will have to continue to turn the other cheek, and they are well enough compensated to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

Women with chickenpox should breastfeed if they wish to and are well enough to do so, it says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The two others will also be transported there when they are well enough to travel, Admiral Quigley said.

The New York Times

The physical processes behind the formation of stellar spectra are well enough understood to permit determinations of temperatures, densities, and chemical compositions of stellar atmospheres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But not all the mechanisms are well enough understood yet (e.g., low clouds as probably the biggest nagging issue), so the spread is still there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's health status, use "are well enough" to indicate they meet a minimum threshold for a specific activity or treatment. For example, "Patients are well enough to be discharged" indicates they meet the health criteria for release.

Common error

Avoid using "are well enough" when a stronger statement of complete recovery is more accurate. For instance, instead of "They are well enough to return to work", if they have fully recovered, say "They have fully recovered and returned to work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are well enough" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, typically modifying a subject to indicate a sufficient state of health or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies that someone or something meets a certain threshold for a specific action or purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Science

22%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are well enough" is a versatile expression used to denote that a person or thing meets a minimum standard of health or condition necessary for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. It is commonly found in news reports, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating its widespread applicability. While alternatives like ""are sufficiently healthy"" or ""are fit enough"" exist, "are well enough" serves as a general indicator of adequate health or condition. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the subject's status and avoid overstating recovery when a stronger term would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sufficiently healthy

Focuses more specifically on health as the qualifying factor.

are in good enough condition

Emphasizes the state or condition as being satisfactory.

are in a satisfactory state

Indicates a general state of well-being or condition that is acceptable.

are fit enough

Implies a level of fitness or capability that meets a certain requirement.

are suitable enough

Emphasizes appropriateness or suitability for a particular purpose.

are capable enough

Highlights the ability or capacity to perform a task.

are strong enough

Indicates that someone or something possesses the necessary strength.

are ready enough

Focuses on the state of being ready or prepared for something.

are adequately prepared

Shifts the focus from health to preparedness or readiness.

are healthy and able

Combines health with the ability to perform actions, suggesting a broader capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "are well enough" to indicate that someone or something meets a minimum acceptable standard or condition for a particular purpose. For example, "The patients "are well enough" to go home".

What can I say instead of "are well enough"?

You can use alternatives like "are sufficiently healthy", "are adequately prepared", or "are fit enough" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are well enough" or "are good enough"?

While both phrases can be used to indicate adequacy, "are well enough" typically refers to health or condition, whereas "are good enough" usually refers to quality or suitability. The choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

What's the difference between "are well enough" and "are healthy enough"?

The phrase "are well enough" suggests a minimal acceptable level of health for a specific purpose, while "are healthy enough" implies a generally good state of health that meets a certain requirement. "Well enough" is often used when someone has been ill but is now sufficiently recovered.