grownup enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grownup enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is sufficiently mature or responsible for a particular situation or task. Example: "I thought I was grownup enough to handle the responsibilities of a full-time job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He was grownup enough to know that it would have insulted her to say that he had noticed nothing.

The New Yorker

He was grownup enough by then to try to make sure that [his daughter] Scottie would not be so disabled.

The New Yorker

Because although I thought we were grownup enough at this point not to be completely moronic, there is still so much evidence in the world that I'm wrong.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Every midwinter, as the year dies, there is a ritual in which some grownups, old enough to know better, indulge: we reread Susan Cooper's children's story The Dark Is Rising.

The Guardian - Books

"But it has enough grownup gags to keep the adults amused, and their children will laugh themselves silly at the sight of police officers being drenched in Cheese Whiz".

The Guardian - Film

A grownup drink, simple enough that any person behind the stick could mix a halfway decent tipple (brandy and creme de menthe), but fancy enough to lend maturity to the young, gravitas to the middle-aged, and, ultimately, comfort to the old.

The New Yorker

Were Iceland, say, Rhode Island, a system like Landsbjörg would be nice enough — grownup Boy and Girl Scouts to help firemen get cats down from trees — but Iceland, besides being sparsely populated, is marooned far out on the polar edge of the North Atlantic, just below the Arctic Circle.

The New Yorker

Are there enough grownups yet?

Huffington Post

For example: If you want your child to take some medicine and she refuses say something like "But I'm not sure you can drink this medicine to make you better because usually only grownups are brave enough to drink this medicine…" Chances are, she will say she's old enough and brave enough.

WikiHow

Processing the nightmare of the Paris attacks is tough enough for grownups.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pool itself is off-limits to grownups, who are not mini enough.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grownup enough", ensure the context clearly defines what responsibilities or situations the subject is prepared for. For example, "He was grownup enough to understand the consequences of his actions."

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "grownup enough" in one area automatically translates to competence in others. Specify the area where maturity is demonstrated; do not generalize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grownup enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a sufficient level of maturity or responsibility. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grownup enough" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe someone who has reached a sufficient level of maturity or responsibility for a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use, although it is not very common in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to assess or describe an individual's level of maturity. Consider alternatives like ""mature enough"" or "responsible enough" depending on the specific context. When using "grownup enough", ensure that the context is providing specifics about what kind of maturity, responsibilities or situations the subject is prepared for. Be careful about assuming that being "grownup enough" in one area automatically translates to competence in others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mature enough

Focuses specifically on emotional and intellectual maturity.

sufficiently mature

A more formal way of expressing adequate maturity.

responsible enough

Highlights the aspect of accountability and reliability.

old enough

Emphasizes age as the primary factor determining suitability.

experienced enough

Focuses on having gained sufficient experience.

capable enough

Indicates having the necessary skills and abilities.

competent enough

Highlights the possession of necessary skills to perform a task.

ready enough

Suggests preparedness and willingness to take on a task.

wise enough

Implies possessing the wisdom and judgment associated with maturity.

developed enough

Suggests a level of emotional or intellectual development.

FAQs

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

You can use "grownup enough" to describe someone who possesses the maturity needed for a particular task or situation. For example: "I thought I was "mature enough" to handle the responsibilities."

What is a good alternative to "grownup enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""mature enough"", "old enough", or "responsible enough".

Is it redundant to say "grownup enough"?

While "grownup" implies a certain level of maturity, adding "enough" clarifies that the person has reached a sufficient level for a specific purpose. Without "enough" it might be interpreted as just 'adult'.

What does it mean to be "grownup enough"?

To be "grownup enough" means possessing the emotional, intellectual, and practical maturity required to handle responsibilities, make decisions, and navigate situations appropriately. It often implies a level of independence and accountability.