does not suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not suffice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is inadequate, insufficient, or not enough. For example: "One hour of studying does not suffice to understand the entire material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not suffice.

The Guardian

A single DCF does not suffice.

University of California, Berkeley

So the dictionary definition does not suffice.

The Guardian - Books

But failure alone does not suffice.

The New York Times

This factor does not suffice to save the analysis.

Cornell University

A creative contribution does not suffice to establish authorship of the movie.

Harvard University

This naked averment does not suffice to show the applicability of 17 U.S.C. § 107.

Harvard University

It does not suffice to say that Congress announced its will to delegate certain authority.

Cornell University

"If you are faced with an abscess, simple medication does not suffice.

The Economist

One view of this rare work does not suffice; I look forward to rewatching it.

The New York Times - Arts

Though this is Vachaspati's account, it does not suffice according to Bhikshu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not suffice", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking or insufficient. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "does not suffice" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "isn't enough" or "doesn't cut it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not suffice" functions as a predicate expressing insufficiency or inadequacy. It connects a subject with the idea that it is not enough to meet a requirement or achieve a desired outcome, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not suffice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey inadequacy or insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While commonly found in science, news, and academic writing, it’s essential to consider the formality of the situation and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Remember to clearly state what is lacking when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "is not enough", "is insufficient", and "falls short".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not enough

Provides a straightforward and commonly used alternative.

is lacking

Simply states that something is missing or absent.

is insufficient

Offers a more formal synonym, highlighting a lack of required quantity or quality.

is inadequate

Replaces the idiom with a more direct and simple adjective.

falls short

Emphasizes a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

proves inadequate

Highlights that the inadequacy has been demonstrated or revealed.

is deficient

Stresses a lack of something essential or necessary.

fails to measure up

Indicates a failure to reach a certain standard or expectation.

is not up to par

Suggests the subject fails to meet a required standard or quality level.

is wanting

Implies something is lacking or deficient.

FAQs

What does "does not suffice" mean?

The phrase "does not suffice" means that something is not adequate or sufficient for a particular purpose or requirement. It implies that more is needed or that the current state is lacking.

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

You can use "does not suffice" to indicate that something is inadequate. For example: "A brief explanation "is not enough"; a detailed analysis is required," or "The initial investment "is inadequate" for the project's scope."

What are some alternatives to "does not suffice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is insufficient", ""is not enough"", "falls short", or ""is inadequate"". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "does not suffice" formal or informal?

"Does not suffice" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "isn't enough" or "doesn't cut it" might be more appropriate.