functional enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The use of the phrase "functional enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is adequate for a particular purpose, although it may not be optimal. For example, "This laptop is functional enough for my everyday activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The corrupt ones survive because they have to be functional enough to continue to profit.

The New Yorker

That was functional but not functional enough, and it was also expensive.

MIT Technology Review

Not only did the two interbreed; the resulting hybrid offspring were functional enough to be integrated into human society.

The New Yorker

Buck is functional enough to keep himself supplied with lollipops -- his main source of nutrition, it seems -- and clean clothes.

The New York Times

Some of the programs are already functional enough to be used to find parameters for real applications.

Stanford University

I know I need to go to the appointments, but I wonder if I will be functional enough.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The most obvious answer is that the filmmakers had to keep them functional long enough to flesh out the movie's grueling 85 minutes.

The New York Times

We discovered that none of the best-known programs total quality management, reengineering, the formation of self-managing teams, or the institution of cross-functional processes are enough to produce faster and more effective product development.

Harvard Business Review

In this suppressor line, a point mutation 5 nucleotides within the cryptic intron altered this competing splicing, thereby restoring more efficient polyadenylation and production of enough functional RPN12a protein to restore fully functional proteasome activity.

F1000Research

These feelings can become particularly pronounced for people who experience a level of functional disability substantial enough to make living alone difficult, but not severe enough to warrant seeking outside assistance.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

This maturation function is particularly needed under oxidative conditions to generate enough functional Rli1 to support normal growth.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a prototype or early version of a product, use "functional enough" to indicate that it meets basic requirements for testing and feedback, even if it lacks advanced features. This sets realistic expectations and encourages iterative improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "functional enough" when describing a product that is intended to be high-end or cutting-edge. This phrase implies a degree of adequacy, which might not be desirable for products aiming for excellence or innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional enough" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier. It describes the degree to which something meets the necessary requirements to perform its intended purpose, indicating that it is adequate but not necessarily optimal. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functional enough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates a satisfactory level of capability or adequacy for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's important to consider the context, avoiding its use when excellence is desired. Alternatives like "sufficiently functional" or "adequately functional" can be used for nuanced meanings. Primarily found in news, academic and science publications, this phrase serves to convey something meeting minimum operational requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently functional

Replaces "enough" with "sufficiently", slightly altering the emphasis on adequacy.

adequately functional

Substitutes "functional enough" with "adequately functional", focusing on whether the functionality meets the minimum requirements.

serviceable

Emphasizes usability and ability to provide a service, rather than general functionality.

capable enough

Shifts focus to the inherent capability rather than the functionality itself.

passable

Suggests a minimal standard is met, implying it might not be excellent but is acceptable.

workable

Highlights that something can be used or operated, even if not optimally.

operable enough

More specific to things that operate, implying they can start and continue to function.

in working order

Focuses on the state of being operational or in good condition for use.

good enough for the purpose

Extends the phrase to explicitly include the intended purpose as the benchmark for sufficiency.

minimally viable

Highlights the bare minimum functionality to be considered useful, often used in product development.

FAQs

How to use "functional enough" in a sentence?

Use "functional enough" to describe something that meets the minimum requirements for its intended purpose, implying adequacy rather than excellence. For example, "The prototype was "functional enough" to gather user feedback."

What can I say instead of "functional enough"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficiently functional", "adequately functional", or "serviceable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "functional enough" or "enough functional"?

"Functional enough" is the correct order. The adjective "functional" modifies an implied noun, and "enough" acts as an adverb modifying "functional", indicating a sufficient degree of functionality.

What's the difference between "functional enough" and "fully functional"?

"Functional enough" suggests meeting a basic requirement or minimum standard, while "fully functional" implies all intended features and capabilities are working correctly. Something that is "functional enough" may not be "fully functional".