do not suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'do not suffice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not enough to meet a requirement, or when something is insufficient to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "Money and time are both important resources, but they do not suffice when it comes to making a major life decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Supernatural threats do not suffice.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But hippy-dippy clichés do not suffice.

The New Yorker

Carry-on bags do not suffice for every traveler.

The New York Times

All have concluded that "contractual remedies" simply do not suffice.

The Guardian - Business

But standard procedures do not suffice in extraordinary times.

The New York Times

Photographs, birth dates and credit card numbers do not suffice.

The New York Times

In particular, they do not suffice for people with physical impairments or those who travel with children.

The New York Times

He says, "I am reluctant to call a chimpanzee a 'moral being.' This is because sentiments do not suffice.

The Guardian

The university rector, Ole Petter Ottersen, said Wednesday that Mr. Breivik, 34, had been informed "that his qualifications do not suffice for admission to the bachelor program".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

These theories do not suffice to explain current events.

Forbes

And if these new markets do not suffice?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not suffice" to clearly state that something is inadequate or insufficient for a particular purpose or requirement. This phrase adds a level of formality and precision to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "do not suffice" in highly informal settings may sound overly formal or stilted. Consider more casual alternatives like "aren't enough" or "don't cut it" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not suffice" functions as a negative verb phrase, expressing a lack of adequacy or sufficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it indicates that something is not enough to meet requirements or achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not suffice" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something is inadequate or insufficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for conveying a sense of inadequacy in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, it carries a formal tone that is suitable for professional and academic writing. When considering alternative phrases, options like "are not enough" or "are insufficient" may offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis. Remember to use "do not suffice" when you need to precisely communicate that something fails to meet the necessary requirements or standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not enough

A more direct way of expressing insufficiency, focusing on the quantity or extent of something.

are insufficient

Highlights a deficiency in what is needed or required, suggesting a more formal tone.

are not adequate

Emphasizes the lack of required qualities or quantity, indicating something falls short of expectations.

prove inadequate

Suggests that something was expected to be sufficient but ultimately failed to meet the needs.

fall short

Implies a failure to reach a desired standard or outcome, often used when expectations are not met.

are deficient

Highlights a lack of necessary qualities or components, indicating a weakness or flaw.

are wanting

Expresses a lack or deficiency, often implying that something is missing or incomplete.

are not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the required standard of quality or performance.

are not capable

Focuses on the inability of something to perform a specific function or achieve a certain result.

do not cut it

An informal way of saying that something is not good enough or sufficient for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not suffice" to indicate that something is inadequate or insufficient for a particular purpose. For instance, "Simple explanations "do not suffice" when dealing with complex scientific theories".

What are some alternatives to "do not suffice"?

Alternatives include "are not enough", "are insufficient", or "fall short", depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "do not suffice" or "is not sufficient"?

"Do not suffice" and "is not sufficient" are very similar. "Do not suffice" is generally used when referring to a plural subject or concept, while "is not sufficient" is for singular subjects.

When is it best to use "do not suffice" over other similar phrases?

Use "do not suffice" when you want to convey a sense of formal inadequacy or when emphasizing that something fails to meet specific requirements. It's more formal than phrases like "don't cut it".