barely enough time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely enough time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where the amount of time available is just sufficient to complete a task, but not more than that. Example: "I had barely enough time to finish my report before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The low autumn light left barely enough time for a few innings after school.

The New Yorker

It gives players barely enough time to get over the fatigue, bumps and bruises.

The New York Times - Sports

There is barely enough time for him to adjust to playing at centre.

Independent

It was barely enough time for them to photograph each other photographing the wonders.

The New York Times - Travel

"Three hours is barely enough time to boo Debbie Wasserman Schultz".

The New Yorker

Islanders defenseman Marko Kiprusoff had barely enough time to steal a glance to his right.

The New York Times - Sports

That was barely enough time to ask a question, let alone hear it answered.

The Guardian - Film

But with barely enough time for a quick drink of water, he had to put his catcher's gear back on.

The New York Times - Sports

They come in a rapid-fire staccato with barely enough time for the applause to fade between punch lines.

The New York Times

Caught in heavy traffic, he arrived with 15 minutes to spare -- barely enough time to straighten his tie.

The New York Times

There was barely enough time to take in the passing billboard van proclaiming that hot girls were keen to meet me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "barely enough time" with a phrase specifying the action or event it pertains to, like "barely enough time to prepare" or "barely enough time before the deadline".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the time constraint when it's only a minor inconvenience. Using "barely enough time" should reflect a significant limitation, not just a slight rush. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely enough time" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the degree to which time is available. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in various contexts, emphasizing the limitation or scarcity of time for a given activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely enough time" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that the amount of time available is just sufficient to complete a task, often implying a sense of urgency or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the task or activity affected by the time constraint to enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely sufficient time

Emphasizes the lack of time by using "scarcely", indicating that there is very little time available.

just enough time

Indicates that the available time is only minimally sufficient, with no extra time to spare.

hardly sufficient time

Similar to "barely", but uses "hardly" to stress the inadequacy of the time available.

a paucity of time

Replaces the common phrase with more formal and literary vocabulary to highlight the scarcity.

a shortage of time

Focuses on the lack of time, framing it as a deficit that creates challenges.

time is at a premium

Emphasizes that time is valuable and limited, making it a precious resource.

a tight timeframe

Uses business terminology to highlight the narrow window of opportunity.

limited time available

States directly that the available time is not much, keeping the meaning clear and simple.

insufficient time

Directly states that there is not enough time.

rushed schedule

Indicates that tasks must be completed quickly due to a lack of time.

FAQs

How can I use "barely enough time" in a sentence?

You can use "barely enough time" to describe situations where the available time is just sufficient to complete a task, such as, "There was "barely enough time" to finish the project before the deadline".

What can I say instead of "barely enough time"?

Alternatives include "just enough time", "hardly sufficient time", or "scarcely sufficient time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "just enough time" or "barely enough time"?

Both phrases are correct, but "barely enough time" emphasizes the scarcity of time more strongly than "just enough time". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "not enough time" and "barely enough time"?

"Not enough time" indicates that the time available is insufficient to complete the task. "Barely enough time" suggests that the time is almost insufficient, but somehow manages to be just enough to complete the task.