cannot be enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a certain quantity or amount is insufficient or inadequate for a particular purpose or need. Example: "No matter how hard I try, my efforts cannot be enough to meet the expectations set for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Making fun of dictators cannot be enough.

Independent

That cannot be enough of a reason to confirm him.

The New York Times

There cannot be enough of them, he says.

The Guardian

"Now," he says, "you tell me all is lost?" For him, mere survival cannot be enough.

The New York Times

It cannot be enough for the west to accommodate Islam – Islam must also accommodate the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't know what you are paid to express such unreserved and trenchant views, but it surely cannot be enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It cannot be soon enough.

The New York Times

The impact is significant and cannot be emphasised enough.

The Guardian

The year, he says, cannot be mad enough.

The Guardian

It cannot be stressed enough: these are not natural events, like tsunamis or volcanic eruptions.

Independent

"Let us infiltrate the old spaces — it cannot be barbaric enough!" he urged.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be enough", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking and what the desired or required amount is. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be enough" in contexts where a small addition or adjustment would make something sufficient. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact. Consider alternative phrasing that reflects the specific degree of insufficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be enough" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing insufficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to indicate that something falls short of what is required or desired. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the lack of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be enough" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express insufficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. While direct, it emphasizes a deficiency, prompting consideration of alternatives like "is insufficient" or "falls short" depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context provides clarity regarding what is lacking to avoid ambiguity and amplify its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply not enough

Adds emphasis to the insufficiency, highlighting the severity of the lack.

is insufficient

Replaces "cannot be enough" with a more direct and formal expression of inadequacy.

is inadequate

Similar to "is insufficient", but may imply a more significant deficiency.

is not sufficient

A slightly more formal version of "is insufficient".

is not adequate

Equivalent to "is inadequate", providing a synonym for the term.

falls short

An idiomatic expression indicating failure to reach a required standard.

is not up to par

Implies that something does not meet expectations or required quality.

doesn't measure up

An informal expression suggesting that something does not meet the required standard.

proves to be lacking

Emphasizes that something has been found to be deficient.

fails to suffice

A more formal and less common way to express inadequacy.

FAQs

What does "cannot be enough" mean?

The phrase "cannot be enough" expresses that something is insufficient or inadequate for a particular purpose or need. It indicates that the current quantity, quality or effort is lacking to meet a certain requirement or expectation.

How to use "cannot be enough" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be enough" to emphasize a deficiency. For example: "Making fun of dictators "cannot be enough"; more action is required" or "Even such a review "cannot be enough" to set in train that word of mouth".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be enough"?

You can use alternatives such as "is insufficient", "is inadequate", or "falls short" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be enough"?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be enough" when you want to strongly express that a particular measure, effort, or quantity is insufficient to achieve a desired outcome or meet a specific need. Consider using alternatives if the level of emphasis is not required.