exactly enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"exactly enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you have the exact amount of something that is necessary or desired. For example, "It's raining exactly enough to make the grass turn green."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was exactly enough.

The New York Times - Food

None; you have exactly enough.

The New York Times

It's exactly enough of a history lesson.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Arab world has exactly enough time — starting now.

The New York Times

"I make exactly enough so that you don't hate me and exactly enough so that you won't call me a bum," Baker says.

The New Yorker

This idea of having exactly enough food to go round is a powerful one.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I mean, really — I'm not exactly old enough to know who I am.

The New York Times

Our stateroom is exactly deep enough to accommodate the built-in double bed.

The New York Times - Travel

It caught and ran for a few more blocks — exactly far enough to roll into the motel parking lot.

The New York Times

Not hors d'oeuvres exactly, but enough to make an air traffic controller breathe a sigh of relief.

The New York Times - Food

He compares the device to a book shelf with very thin shelves placed exactly far enough apart to accommodate the books.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly enough" when you want to convey that the quantity or degree is neither excessive nor deficient, but perfectly meets the requirements. For instance, "Add exactly enough water to reach the fill line."

Common error

Avoid using "exactly enough" when you're estimating or approximating. "About enough" or "almost enough" are more appropriate when precision isn't the goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly enough" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or pronoun. It specifies that the amount or degree is neither excessive nor deficient, but perfectly sufficient. As confirmed by Ludwig, it conveys a sense of precise adequacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly enough" is a versatile adjectival modifier that signifies precise sufficiency, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news, science, and general writing, it conveys that something is neither excessive nor deficient, but perfectly meets the required amount. While synonyms like "just sufficient" and "perfectly adequate" exist, "exactly enough" provides a unique emphasis on precision. Keep in mind that according to Ludwig, “exactly enough” is most appropriately used when highlighting accuracy, not when estimating or approximating. All things considered, its adaptability and clarity make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just sufficient

Replaces "exactly" with "just" to indicate sufficiency without excess.

precisely sufficient

Substitutes "exactly" with "precisely", emphasizing accuracy in sufficiency.

fully adequate

Emphasizes the completeness of the sufficiency.

perfectly adequate

Indicates that something meets requirements flawlessly.

sufficient and no more

Highlights that the quantity is adequate without being excessive.

no more and no less than needed

Stresses the perfect balance of the needed amount.

the precise amount required

Replaces "exactly enough" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing precision.

barely adequate

Indicates the minimum acceptable amount or degree.

amply adequate

Implies a generous or plentiful sufficiency.

an ideal amount

Highlights the suitability and perfectness of the amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly enough" to describe a situation where something is neither too much nor too little, but just right. For example, "The recipe calls for exactly enough flour to make a dozen cookies."

What are some alternatives to using "exactly enough"?

Alternatives to "exactly enough" include "just sufficient", "precisely sufficient", or "perfectly adequate", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "exactly enough"? Can't I just say "enough"?

While "enough" implies sufficiency, "exactly enough" emphasizes the precision of that sufficiency. It highlights that the quantity is perfect, not just adequate. The added emphasis can be useful in certain contexts.

Which is more appropriate: "just enough" or "exactly enough"?

"Just enough" suggests a minimal sufficiency, whereas "exactly enough" implies a more precise and ideal amount. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize bare adequacy or perfect suitability.