great enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"great enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're comparing something to a standard of excellence or value. For example: "This review of the movie isn't great enough to make it worth seeing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How about great enough?

The New York Times - Sports

"You ain't that great enough, either.

The New Yorker

Consequently, copepod growth was not great enough to offset losses.

Ecological Modelling

It was great enough for him already.

The Washington Post

Still, the allure is great enough to prompt repeat dives.

The New York Times - Science

The costs of meeting current needs are great enough.

The New York Times

Perhaps her embarrassment was great enough to make her freeze.

The New Yorker

Airships don't pop, like balloons; the pressure isn't great enough.

The New Yorker

The point is he was great enough to undertake predictions.

The New York Times - Science

If this heat is also great enough, the metal will melt or evaporate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But by then, no distance was great enough to shatter what had become a bond.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great enough" when you want to express that something not only meets a requirement but also exceeds it to a noticeable degree. For example, 'The reward was great enough to justify the risk.'

Common error

Avoid using "great enough" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "sufficient", "adequate", or "substantial" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great enough" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, indicating that a certain quality or attribute meets or exceeds a required level or standard. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great enough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates something meets or exceeds a required standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival modifier, conveying that a quality or attribute is sufficiently excellent or substantial. While generally neutral in register, its usage is particularly common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, consider the specific context and desired level of formality, as more precise or sophisticated synonyms might be preferable in certain situations. Ludwig provides numerous examples of "great enough" in real-world contexts, further illustrating its versatility and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Good enough

More colloquial and suggests a lower standard than "great enough".

Decent enough

Similar to "good enough", but might imply a slightly higher quality or standard.

Sufficient

Focuses on adequacy for a specific purpose or need; more neutral in tone.

Up to par

Idiomatic expression indicating that something meets the expected standard.

Adequate

Similar to "sufficient", but sometimes implies a minimal level of acceptability.

Satisfactory

Indicates that something fulfills expectations or requirements.

Acceptable

Highlights whether something meets a basic requirement without necessarily being outstanding.

Appropriate

Focuses on whether something is suitable or fitting for a specific context.

Passable

Suggests something barely meets the required standard.

Considerable

Implies a notable or substantial amount but does not directly relate to meeting a standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "great enough" to describe something that surpasses a necessary threshold. For instance, "The incentive was "large enough" to motivate the team" or "The pressure wasn't "intense enough" to cause a breakdown".

What phrases can I use instead of "great enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficient", "adequate", or "good enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different level of acceptability or surpassing a standard.

Is it grammatically correct to say "great enough"?

Yes, "great enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as an adjective-adverb phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate that something meets or exceeds a certain threshold.

What's the difference between "great enough" and "large enough"?

While both indicate sufficiency, "great enough" often refers to a quality or degree of excellence, whereas "large enough" typically refers to size or quantity. The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.