be compact enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be compact enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that needs to be small or concise enough to fit a certain requirement or condition. Example: "The design must be compact enough to fit into the limited space available in the cabinet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The grand promise of commercial SMRs is that they would be compact enough to prefabricate in factories and ship to their destination, where they could be stacked together to produce whatever level of energy generation is needed.

MIT Technology Review

It also needed to be compact enough to be able to fit between two magnetic poles without disturbing the magnetic field.

Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Modern Processes

Thanks to the non-mechanical solid-state construction of the P2 system, the camera recorder will be compact enough to allow more flexible 3D shooting, thereby maximizing the creativity of the filmmakers by eliminating the stress factor from the use of the equipment.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The machine is compact enough to fit in a gift box under the tree.

The New York Times - Food

Thank goodness Montreal is compact enough to get around by foot.

The Guardian

The proposed digital cell structure is compact enough to fit inside an image sensor pixel.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

Most of them — ceramic jars, lacquer boxes, scroll paintings — are compact enough to be stashed in a closet.

The New York Times - Arts

It weighs less than a pound and is compact enough to fit in a purse or backpack.

The New York Times

The composter is compact enough to store on a balcony or patio, and claims to be odor free.

The New York Times

It is a lovely cultural city with some beautiful architecture and is compact enough to explore on foot.

The Guardian - Travel

The seven examples here include a few that are compact enough to pack for traveling, as well as larger ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be compact enough to", ensure that you clearly define the purpose or action that the compactness enables. For example, "The device must be compact enough to fit in a pocket."

Common error

Avoid using "be compact enough to" without specifying the context or purpose. For instance, instead of saying "It needs to be compact enough", specify what it needs to be compact enough to do or fit into.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be compact enough to" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun by specifying a necessary condition of size or spatial efficiency. It indicates that the subject's compactness is essential for a certain action or state, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be compact enough to" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the significance of size or spatial efficiency in enabling a particular function or fitting within certain constraints. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media and scientific contexts. To use this phrase effectively, specify the purpose or context that the compactness facilitates, and avoid overly general statements. By understanding these nuances, writers can confidently incorporate "be compact enough to" into their vocabulary. This phrase finds its use across diverse fields—from science and technology to travel and lifestyle—making it a valuable tool for anyone aiming to communicate precisely about spatial constraints and functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be small enough to

A more direct synonym, simply stating the size requirement.

be sufficiently small to

Focuses on the degree of smallness needed.

be little enough to

Informal way to indicate smallness requirement.

be sufficiently concise to

Emphasizes brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

be adequately sized to

Focuses on the suitability of the dimensions.

be miniaturized to

Implies a process of making something smaller.

be condensed to

Suggests reducing the volume or size.

have a small enough footprint to

Focuses on the area something occupies.

be short enough to

Indicates a length or duration requirement.

be trim enough to

Conveys leanness and efficiency in size.

FAQs

What does "be compact enough to" mean?

The phrase "be compact enough to" means something is sufficiently small or space-efficient to achieve a specific purpose or fit within certain constraints. It highlights the importance of size in enabling functionality or compatibility.

How can I use "be compact enough to" in a sentence?

You can use "be compact enough to" to describe an object's size in relation to its intended use. For example, "The gadget "is small enough to" fit in your pocket" or "The data needs "to be concise enough to" transmit quickly".

What are some alternatives to "be compact enough to"?

Alternatives include "be small enough to", "be sufficiently small to", "be sufficiently concise to", or "be adequately sized to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be compact enough to" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing the size of an object or data in relation to its ability to function in a specific way or fit within a particular space. It is suitable for both technical and general contexts where size is a critical factor.