did not suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not suffice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was inadequate or insufficient in meeting a need or requirement. Example: "The explanation provided did not suffice to clarify the complex issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Design did not suffice to conquer time.

The New York Times - Arts

But rules alone did not suffice.

The New Yorker

Where land shortages did not suffice to push Africans into the labour market, taxation frequently did.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That alternative to trickle-down economics did not suffice to overcome the Great Depression.

The Guardian - Opinion

If these did not suffice, the home team was required to supply balls.

The New York Times - Books

Rodgers opted for the security of seasoned internationals and even that did not suffice.

The Guardian - Sport

In unambiguous terms, the panel said yesterday that warnings did not suffice.

The New York Times

After 1945, this reactive approach did not suffice: the United States required forces held in readiness for immediate combat.

The New York Times - Books

(He said the "poor, wounded Mets" did not suffice in Queens — and made no mention of Staten Island).

The New York Times

Laboy might be a Mets fan, but he was a closet Mets fan and that did not suffice.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if the interstate commerce clause did not suffice to uphold mandatory insurance, the even broader power of Congress to impose taxes would surely do so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not suffice" to convey that something was not adequate or sufficient for a particular purpose or situation. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "did not suffice" in very informal settings might sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "wasn't enough" or "didn't cut it" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not suffice" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something was inadequate or insufficient to meet a particular need or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not suffice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something was inadequate or insufficient. Ludwig confirms this assessment. While versatile, it's most commonly found in neutral and slightly formal writing, particularly within news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. For more relaxed environments, consider employing simpler alternatives. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrasing to match the tone and audience of your written content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not adequate

Emphasizes a lack of required quality or quantity.

was insufficient

Highlights a deficiency in meeting a specific need or requirement.

proved inadequate

Suggests that something was tested and found to be lacking.

fell short

Indicates a failure to reach a desired standard or goal.

was not enough

A simpler and more direct way to express inadequacy.

failed to measure up

Implies a comparison and a failure to meet the expected level.

did not cut it

An informal way to say something was not good enough.

was not up to par

Indicates that something didn't meet the required standard of quality.

left something to be desired

A polite way of saying something was not entirely satisfactory.

missed the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve the intended outcome or target.

FAQs

How can I use "did not suffice" in a sentence?

Use "did not suffice" to indicate that something was inadequate or insufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "The explanation "did not suffice" to clarify the complex issue".

What are some alternatives to "did not suffice"?

You can use alternatives like "was not adequate", "was insufficient", or "was not enough" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "did not suffice" or "was not sufficient"?

"Did not suffice" and "was not sufficient" are very similar. "Did not suffice" can sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the tone and style of your writing.

What is the difference between "did not suffice" and "fell short"?

"Did not suffice" implies a lack of adequacy for a specific purpose. "Fell short" "fell short" suggests a failure to reach a desired standard or goal, indicating a comparative deficiency.