careful enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "careful enough" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is sufficiently careful or cautious. Example: "I was careful enough to double-check all of my work before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VisionSync, the company behind the app, is careful enough to clearly state it doesn't substitute for care that well-trained first aid personnel can deliver and that it works best for users who have gone through the various conditions and situations located on the iMobile Care app prior to them actually occurring.

TechCrunch

"We are careful enough," he said.

The New York Times

In general, she said, "I just wasn't careful enough".

The New York Times

It's not being careful enough of people's love of you".

The Guardian - Film

"I haven't been careful enough". Her words echo those of the characters in her work.

The New York Times - Books

They worry about what might go wrong if they don't work hard enough or aren't careful enough.

Harvard Business Review

"And then I realised that as carefully as I thought I was reading the score, I wasn't being careful enough".

The Guardian - Music

"I don't know enough, I'm not careful enough, I don't listen enough, I don't look enough, I don't feel enough.

The New York Times

I would say he hasn't been nearly careful enough to balance what he sees as these two warring imperatives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

DealBook »   The Bet That Blew Up for JPMorgan Chase  |  JPMorgan's latest troubles prove again that banks are still not careful enough about managing risk.

The New York Times

Many of them told me that they had appealed to the higher courts, or said they had been framed, or said they had not been careful enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "careful enough", ensure the context clearly defines what specific actions or considerations constitute being careful. For example, specify whether you are talking about double-checking data or being cautious about physical risks.

Common error

Avoid using "careful enough" when the situation necessitates extreme caution or preventative measures. Opt for stronger terms like "absolutely meticulous" or "unfailingly vigilant" to match the gravity of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful enough" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that a certain level of caution or diligence has been met or should be met. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "careful enough" is a versatile phrase used to assess or advise on the level of caution needed or exercised. As Ludwig AI validates, it’s grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, science, and business contexts. The phrase indicates that a satisfactory degree of caution is, or is not, being applied. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes being careful. Alternatives include "sufficiently cautious" and "adequately prudent", which offer nuanced emphasis on the caution being described. Understanding these subtle differences allows for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently cautious

Emphasizes having enough caution, focusing on the presence of caution rather than the action of being careful.

adequately prudent

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment involved in being careful.

sufficiently meticulous

Focuses on the detailed and precise nature of the care taken.

sufficiently attentive

Stresses the focus and attention given to avoid errors or issues.

adequately vigilant

Highlights the watchfulness and alertness in being careful.

sufficiently guarded

Emphasizes the protection and caution against potential risks.

adequately circumspect

Focuses on being wary and unwilling to take risks.

thorough enough

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the care or attention given.

careful adequate

Reorders the words, but retains the similar meaning related to how cautious the subject is.

sufficient care

Focuses on the care received, rather than the person being careful

FAQs

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

You can use "careful enough" to describe a sufficient level of caution or diligence. For example, "The researchers were "careful enough" to verify their findings before publishing" or "Make sure you are "careful enough" when handling fragile items".

What are some alternatives to "careful enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sufficiently cautious", "adequately prudent", or "thorough enough". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of being careful, such as wisdom, detail, or completeness.

Is it better to say "careful enough" or "careful adequate"?

"Careful enough" is the standard and grammatically correct phrase. "Careful adequate" is not commonly used and may sound awkward. "Careful enough" implies a sufficient degree of caution, whereas "careful adequate" doesn't effectively convey the same meaning.

What does it mean when someone says they weren't "careful enough"?

It usually means they made a mistake or experienced a negative outcome because they didn't take sufficient precautions or pay close enough attention. It implies a regret or realization of inadequate preparation or caution.