elegant enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elegant enough" is correct and usable in written English.
One example of its usage in a sentence would be: "The dress she wore was elegant enough to stand out in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Arts

Sport

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's not coercion if the surroundings are elegant enough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's no equivalent of Rodeo Drive, and no cinema that's elegant enough for a blockbuster première.

The New Yorker

"Once I had a date, and he told me I wasn't elegant enough," Ms. Lloyd said.

The New York Times

Carrick is elegant enough to fit into Spain's midfield but his luckless run of injuries continues.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of these blended soups were elegant enough to serve not only as meals but also as dinner party aperitifs.

The New York Times

But the flavors weren't elegant enough for the opening, Mr. Achatz felt — so he made it harder.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is refined enough to serve at elegant luncheons, and delicate enough to have, at one dark point in the 1980s, caused some quiche-eaters to question their masculinity.

The New York Times - Food

To Ms. Ashby, Fauchon's designs seem neither elegant nor traditional enough for Madison Avenue.

The New York Times

Elegant equipment generates enough electricity to power both the machine itself and contribute to keeping the room's lights on.

The Economist

His story calls for a book that is clear, elegant and concise enough to qualify as an iBio.

The New York Times - Books

It is a typical Schlesch piece: charming, elegant, yet relaxed enough for a country house or city apartment.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object or situation, use "elegant enough" to convey that it possesses a level of sophistication that meets the needs of a particular context. For example, "The venue was "elegant enough" for a formal wedding, but also relaxed enough for guests to feel comfortable."

Common error

Avoid using "enough" repeatedly in a single sentence or paragraph. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and clumsy. Instead, vary your sentence structure and word choice to express the same idea in a more sophisticated manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elegant enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree to which something possesses the quality of elegance, indicating that it meets a certain threshold or requirement. This is validated by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Food

13%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Travel

6%

Sport

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elegant enough" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something possesses a sufficient level of elegance for a given context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news media, food-related articles, and arts coverage, illustrating its versatility. When using "elegant enough", it's essential to consider the specific context and ensure that the level of elegance is appropriate for the situation. Remember to avoid overuse of "enough" in close proximity to maintain clarity and sophistication in your writing. Alternatives such as "sufficiently refined" or "adequately sophisticated" can be used to add nuance or variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently refined

Focuses more on the refinement aspect, less on meeting a specific requirement.

adequately sophisticated

Emphasizes sophistication as the primary quality.

sufficiently tasteful

Focuses on the presence of good taste to a satisfactory degree.

appropriately polished

Highlights the level of polish, indicating it meets the required level.

acceptably stylish

Highlights the stylish aspect, suggesting it meets a certain standard of style.

suitably graceful

Highlights the graceful aspect, suggesting it meets a certain standard of grace.

decently sophisticated

Emphasizes a reasonable level of sophistication.

presentable enough

Emphasizes the ability to be presented without causing disapproval.

respectably classy

Emphasizes classiness to a degree that garners respect.

passably chic

Focuses on chicness, implying it's acceptable but not necessarily outstanding.

FAQs

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

Use "elegant enough" to describe something that possesses a sufficient level of refinement or sophistication for a particular purpose or occasion. For example, "The restaurant was "elegant enough" for a business dinner."

What are some alternatives to "elegant enough"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficiently refined", "adequately sophisticated", or "appropriately polished" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "elegant sufficient" or "elegant enough"?

"Elegant enough" is the standard and more grammatically correct phrasing. "Elegant sufficient" is not commonly used and sounds awkward.

What's the difference between "elegant enough" and "fancy enough"?

"Elegant enough" implies a sophisticated and refined quality that meets a certain requirement, while "fancy enough" suggests extravagance and elaborate ornamentation that is adequate for a certain situation. "Elegant enough" focuses on refined taste; "fancy enough" focuses on lavishness.