is few enough

USAGE SUMMARY

'is few enough' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that a given quantity or amount is small enough or satisfactory enough. For example, "We only have three cookies left, but that is few enough for everyone to have one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is few enough for them to behave as "quantum dots", in which a crystal acts as a single unit, giving it different electronic properties from normal silicon.

The Economist

Six characters is few enough that a valid code can easily be guessed, even if it can't be simply found by rummaging through bins in an airport, and most vendors only use another public fact – your surname – to secure it beyond that.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are few enough real bid battles around these days.

The Economist

Now, they are few enough to be tracked like endangered species.

The New York Times

There are few enough of those today, which is perhaps one reason to watch the show.

The New York Times

"There's few enough projects out there without them cutting more.

The Guardian

There had been few enough reasons even beforehand to believe that Inter could spring an upset.

The Guardian - Sport

Goodbyes are few enough, and we take them where we can.

The Guardian - Books

There are few enough precedents for work like this, but one of them is standing just a few blocks away.

The New York Times

It's a high-IQ picture – there are few enough of those – and it's fascinating, if a little bloodless.

The Guardian - Film

The Republic is gone, and the remaining Resistance fighters are few enough to fit inside the Millennium Falcon.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is few enough" when you want to convey that a quantity or number, while small, meets a particular need or requirement. It implies sufficiency despite a limited amount.

Common error

Avoid using "is few enough" when describing something negative where smallness is not a benefit. For example, saying "the resources are few enough" when resources are critically needed wouldn't be appropriate; instead, state the need directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is few enough" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that its quantity, while small, is sufficient or satisfactory. This aligns with Ludwig's AI assessment, where it is seen as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is few enough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a limited quantity is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase and is typically found in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news media, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "is scarcely sufficient" or "is just about sufficient" exist, "is few enough" offers a concise and versatile option for expressing adequacy despite scarcity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just about sufficient

Indicates a slight margin of adequacy.

is acceptably small

Focuses on the smallness being within acceptable limits.

is reasonably limited

Suggests a moderate level of restriction.

is scarcely sufficient

Emphasizes the bare minimum needed, making it more formal.

is minimally adequate

Highlights the bare acceptability or suitability.

is suitably limited

Highlights that the quantity is appropriately restricted.

is adequately restricted

Similar to suitably limited, but can apply to intangible things.

is barely adequate

Emphasizes that something barely meets the requirements.

is comfortably small

Suggests a margin of comfort or ease in being small.

is amply little

Emphasizes more than enough in terms of smallness.

FAQs

How can I use "is few enough" in a sentence?

Use "is few enough" to indicate that a small quantity is sufficient for a particular purpose. For instance, "Although the remaining samples "are few enough", they're adequate for initial testing".

What phrases are similar to "is few enough"?

Similar phrases include "is scarcely sufficient", "is just about sufficient", or "is acceptably small". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is few enough"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that a limited number or amount is adequate or satisfactory for a given situation. It's most suitable in contexts where scarcity might be expected or where the small quantity is a positive aspect.

Is there a difference between "is few enough" and "are few enough"?

"Is few enough" is grammatically incorrect. You use "is enough" when the subject is singular or uncountable. Use "are few enough" for plural subjects. For example, "the reasons are few enough" (plural), not "the reasons is few enough".