insufficient for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not enough to meet a requirement or expectation. For example: "The amount of information provided was insufficient for us to make an informed decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But others say volunteerism is insufficient for the times.

The New York Times

First, its budget was insufficient for its ambitions.

The New Yorker

This is important, but insufficient for today's innovative businesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are two reasons that was insufficient for the Republicans.

The New York Times

However, distribution of these nets remains insufficient for financial and practical reasons.

The Guardian

Critics said one year's enrollment was insufficient for such a declaration.

The New York Times

"Market forces are insufficient for creating the long term industrial capabilities we need.

The Guardian

Unfortunately the amount offered for you is insufficient for our objectives.

The New York Times

So their desires are insufficient for action.

SEP

This connection is insufficient for moral motivation.

SEP

Therefore, this information is insufficient for diagnosis.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient for", clearly state what the subject is insufficient for to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "insufficient for diagnosis" rather than just "insufficient".

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient for" when a milder term like "suboptimal" or "less than ideal" would be more accurate. "Insufficient" implies a complete failure to meet requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient for" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing a noun's inadequacy to fulfill a specific purpose or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "insufficient for" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something does not meet a specific requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, with a prevalence in scientific, news, and business domains. While it is crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring clear specification of what is lacking. Remember to consider alternatives like "inadequate for" or "not enough for" when appropriate. With a strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the nuances of "insufficient for" can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate for

Direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of necessary qualities or quantity.

not enough for

Simple and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

lacking for

Highlights a deficiency or absence of what's needed.

unsuitable for

Focuses on inappropriateness rather than a simple lack of quantity.

deficient in

Emphasizes a specific area where something is lacking.

falls short of

Suggests a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

does not suffice for

More formal alternative, indicating a failure to meet requirements.

cannot meet the needs of

Focuses on the inability to fulfill specific requirements.

proves inadequate for

Highlights that a certain subject has been proven to be insufficient for something.

not up to par for

Informal expression suggesting a failure to meet expected quality or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "insufficient for" in a sentence?

Use "insufficient for" to indicate that something does not meet a particular requirement or purpose. For example, "The budget was insufficient for the project's scope."

What are some alternatives to saying "insufficient for"?

You can use alternatives like "inadequate for", "not enough for", or "unsuitable for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "insufficient for" or "not sufficient for"?

"Insufficient for" is generally preferred as it's more concise and common. "Not sufficient for" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic.

When is "insufficient for" the most appropriate phrase to use?

"Insufficient for" is most appropriate when you want to clearly state that something completely fails to meet a specific need or requirement. Consider alternatives if the shortfall is marginal.