cannot find enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot find enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of sufficient quantity or quality of something. Example: "I cannot find enough resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Store owners cannot find enough help.

The New York Times

Schools cannot find enough mathematics teachers.

The New York Times

He cannot find enough waiters because unemployment is so low.

The New York Times

Or perhaps they cannot find enough food in time to keep to traditional schedules.

The New York Times

Despite the plentiful fish, many boat captains cannot find enough deckhands.

The New York Times

Builders complain that they cannot find enough carpenters, labourers and estimators.

The Economist

Big companies like Google and tiny start-ups complain that they cannot find enough good people.

The New York Times - Tech

Garment-makers cannot find enough workers with even the basic literacy they need.

The Economist

It already employs 1,000, mainly Polish, foreign workers because it cannot find enough Czechs.

The Economist

When Mormon crickets cannot find enough salt and protein, they become cannibals.

The New York Times - Science

"You cannot find enough people to fill the jobs," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the formality of your writing, consider replacing "cannot find enough" with alternatives like "unable to locate sufficient" or "insufficient quantity of", depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot find enough" without specifying what you are unable to find enough of. For example, instead of saying "We cannot find enough", specify "We cannot find enough qualified candidates" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot find enough" functions as a declarative expression indicating a deficiency or lack. Based on Ludwig AI, it is used to state that the subject is unable to locate or obtain a sufficient quantity of something. For example, "Store owners cannot find enough help."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot find enough" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to express a deficiency or lack of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to clearly specify what is lacking to avoid ambiguity. For more formal writing, alternatives such as "unable to locate sufficient" can be used. Remember to avoid using the phrase without specifying what is lacking to ensure clarity. The high expert rating reflects its grammatical correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to locate sufficient

Replaces "cannot find" with "unable to locate" and "enough" with the more formal "sufficient".

cannot obtain adequate

Substitutes "find" with "obtain" and "enough" with "adequate", suggesting a failure to acquire something that meets requirements.

do not have sufficient

A direct statement of not possessing an adequate amount.

there is a shortage of

Expresses the lack as a general condition rather than a personal inability to find something.

are in short supply

Focuses on the general scarcity of something.

lack the necessary

Highlights the absence of something essential or required.

insufficient quantity of

More formally states that the amount available is not enough.

struggle to secure adequate

Highlights the difficulty in obtaining the required amount.

fall short of needing

Indicates that what is available does not meet the level of need.

deficient in

Indicates a lack or inadequacy in a particular area or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot find enough" in a sentence?

Use "cannot find enough" to express a lack of sufficient quantity or quality of something. For example, "The company cannot find enough skilled workers to meet the growing demand."

What are some alternatives to "cannot find enough"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to locate sufficient", "cannot obtain adequate", or "there is a shortage of" depending on the context.

Is "cannot find enough" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot find enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a lack or insufficiency.

What is the difference between "cannot find enough" and "do not have sufficient"?

"Cannot find enough" suggests an active search that is unsuccessful, while "do not have sufficient" simply states a lack of adequate quantity, without implying an active search.