incisive enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incisive enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something, such as a comment or analysis, that is sharp, clear, and effective in conveying a point or argument. Example: "Her critique of the novel was incisive enough to highlight its underlying themes and flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We were not incisive enough and they were sharper than us and fitter.

The Guardian - Sport

Critics of the government's economic program have complained that it is too tax-heavy and not incisive enough when it comes to cuts to public spending.

The New York Times

Western generals supped with the bloodthirsty Mladic, western politicians did deals with the dangerous dreamer Karadzic, a lot of the reporting was either partial or not incisive enough.

The Guardian - Books

Another author might struggle to manage such an esoteric collection, but Mr Ball's writing is incisive enough to keep the different elements hanging and working together like a finely tuned Alexander Calder mobile.One section deals with the teeming microworld.

The Economist

His playing was incisive enough to cut through the Philharmonia's lushness, and buoyantly sweet in the third-movement melody – like a lullaby for Sleeping Beauty, with the orchestra as the prickly, fast-growing vines.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The eleventh hour fugue was incisive and fast enough to more than suggest demonic possession and the final disintegration was numbing.

Independent

Accurate, eloquent even; but not incisive or diabolical enough for lines so memorable that T. S. Eliot included them as the epigraph to "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock".

The New York Times - Books

Australia's attack looked insipid in India recently and if that fate befalls many seamers on the sub-continent, it is clear that they are not incisive or cute enough to hold a candle to such forebears as Lillee or Glenn McGrath.

Independent

This was what they pay the highest ticket prices in the Premier League to watch: fast, incisive football, with ruthless finishing good enough to slice open a team that one of their oldest rivals has spent a fortune building.

Independent

Committee members should serve long enough to become experts, able to formulate incisive supplementaries by themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

His running became incisive and the side-step that took him far enough past Ben Smith allowed him to find Tuilagi in the build-up to Marland Yarde's try.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incisive enough", ensure the context clearly establishes what standard or level of incisiveness is being met. For instance, specify what the analysis is incisive enough to reveal or address.

Common error

Avoid using "incisive enough" to describe something that is merely adequate or superficial. The phrase implies a significant level of sharpness and clarity, so ensure the description is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incisive enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a sufficient degree of sharpness, clarity, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and grammatically sound. It suggests that something meets the required level of acuity for a given purpose.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incisive enough" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It serves to describe something possessing a sufficient degree of sharpness or clarity for a specific purpose, typically within news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "sharp enough" or "penetrating enough" exist, "incisive enough" offers a nuanced way to assess the effectiveness of an analysis or critique. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what standard of incisiveness is being met and avoid overstating the level of sharpness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp enough

A more concise alternative, directly emphasizing the required level of sharpness.

adequately sharp

Substitutes "incisive" with "sharp", focusing on the clarity and precision of thought or expression.

keen enough

Emphasizes the intensity and sharpness of perception or intellect.

acute enough

Stresses the intensity and precision of the observation or analysis.

sufficiently penetrating

Replaces "incisive" with a more formal synonym, implying a deep and thorough understanding.

insightful enough

Emphasizes the depth of understanding and the ability to see hidden truths.

trenchant enough

Uses "trenchant" to suggest a forceful and effective quality.

perceptive enough

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

sufficiently astute

Uses "astute" to emphasize keen intelligence and discernment.

discriminating enough

Focuses on the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

FAQs

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

You can use "incisive enough" to describe an analysis, critique, or comment that is sufficiently sharp and clear to achieve a specific purpose. For example, "Her analysis wasn't "incisive enough" to reveal the root cause of the problem".

What are some alternatives to "incisive enough"?

Alternatives include "sharp enough", "penetrating enough", or "insightful enough" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "incisive enough" or "very incisive"?

"Incisive enough" suggests a sufficient level of sharpness for a particular purpose, while "very incisive" simply emphasizes a high degree of sharpness. The better choice depends on whether you want to focus on sufficiency or intensity.

What does it mean when something is described as "not incisive enough"?

It means that the analysis, critique, or action lacks the necessary sharpness or clarity to be effective or achieve its intended goal. It suggests a need for deeper or more focused examination.