bitter enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a taste or feeling that has reached a certain level of bitterness, often in food or emotional contexts. Example: "The coffee was bitter enough that I couldn't finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Bitter enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Amaretto though, isn't nearly bitter enough for me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said, "Reverend, no words could be bitter enough, no day could be long enough.

The New Yorker

Some people may even be bitter enough to think you are running to show off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This must have been bitter enough, but returning would have hurt even more.

The Guardian - Film

If they're bitter enough, they'll send their minions to disrupt the party, as Lyndon LaRouche's followers did in Baltimore.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

All gets washed down with the special Oscar martini, a concoction of Sinani63, Yuzu juice, lime juice, Demerara sugar, sauternes, egg white, and Angostura bitters: enough to assuage any bad memory.

Huffington Post

Jameson's easygoing, vanilla-tinged tang — there was no too-muchness about it — was, and is, the right counterpoint to Guinness's earthy, deep, just-bitter-enough flavor and richness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Common sense tells me that in the heat, I want a beer that's crisp and clean and slightly bitter, that has enough flavor to pique the interest but not so much that the beer won't go down easily.

The New York Times - Food

MORE than six months have gone by since César Gaviria, the secretary-general of the Organisation of American States, began to try to persuade Venezuela's government and its opposition to put aside their bitter quarreling long enough to strike a deal.

The Economist

To really appreciate farce, to roll it languorously over your tongue like a fine wine, you need to be old, bitter and bruised enough to recognize it as the essence, the perfect distillation, of the misery and futility of everyday life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter enough" to describe emotions, ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for the bitterness. For example, "The betrayal was bitter enough to end the friendship."

Common error

Avoid using "bitter enough" when a milder term like "slightly bitter" is more appropriate. Overstating the bitterness can undermine the message's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter enough" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a sufficient degree of bitterness, whether literal (taste) or figurative (emotion), aligning with the examples found by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bitter enough" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to indicate a sufficient degree of bitterness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. While semantically similar alternatives exist, "sufficiently bitter" and "adequately bitter" are among the closest. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the intended intensity and that a milder term wouldn't be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently bitter

Replaces "enough" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the same level of intensity.

adequately bitter

Similar to "sufficiently bitter", but may imply a minimum acceptable level rather than a high degree.

bitter to the point of

Emphasizes the extremity of the bitterness, suggesting a consequence.

intensely bitter

Focuses on the high intensity of the bitterness, rather than whether it is sufficient.

very bitter

A simpler, more direct way to express a high degree of bitterness.

bitter beyond measure

Highlights the immeasurable extent of the bitterness.

bitter and then some

Adds emphasis, suggesting the bitterness exceeds expectations.

exceedingly bitter

A more formal way to say "very bitter", with slightly increased emphasis.

bitter in the extreme

Emphasizes the highest possible degree of bitterness.

unpleasantly bitter

Focuses on the unpleasantness of the bitterness rather than its degree.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter enough" in a sentence?

The phrase "bitter enough" is used to describe something that possesses a significant degree of bitterness, whether in taste or emotion. For example, "The coffee was "bitter enough" to wake me up", or "His disappointment was "bitter enough" to make him reconsider his choices."

What are some alternatives to "bitter enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sufficiently bitter", "adequately bitter", or "intensely bitter" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "enough bitter" instead of "bitter enough"?

No, the correct word order is "bitter enough". Placing "enough" before "bitter" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "bitter enough" and "too bitter"?

"Bitter enough" implies a sufficient or significant level of bitterness, while "too bitter" suggests an excessive or undesirable level of bitterness. "The marmalade was "bitter enough" to be authentic" suggests a desirable level, whereas "The marmalade was "too bitter" to enjoy" indicates the opposite.