is good enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is good enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a level of satisfactory completion of a task, activity, or goal. For example, "I worked hard to ensure that the project was good enough to present to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Surprised" is good enough.

The New Yorker

"He is good enough.

Independent

"Close is good enough".

The New York Times

Maybe that is good enough.

The New York Times - Sports

But that is good enough.

The Economist

"My good is good enough.

Independent

Good enough is good enough.

The New York Times

It is good enough.

The New York Times

Neglected is good enough.

The New York Times

Thinking we know is good enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Perfect is good enough," Robert said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is good enough," consider the audience and context. In formal settings, more precise language like "sufficient" or "adequate" might be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "is good enough" in situations where precision, excellence, or high quality are paramount. Overusing the phrase in contexts requiring high standards can undermine the perceived quality and attention to detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is good enough" functions primarily as a subject complement, describing the state or quality of a subject. It indicates that something meets a satisfactory threshold without necessarily being exceptional. As Ludwig AI points out, it correctly expresses a level of satisfactory completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is good enough" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something meets a satisfactory level of quality or performance without being exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, highlighting its versatility. While "is good enough" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. In situations demanding high precision or excellence, more formal alternatives like "is sufficient" or "is adequate" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficient

Focuses more directly on meeting a specific requirement or need.

is adequate

Highlights a basic level of acceptability, sometimes implying a minimum standard.

is satisfactory

Emphasizes that the result meets expectations or fulfills a requirement.

is acceptable

Indicates that something is permissible or meets a certain threshold of approval.

will suffice

Implies that something is enough to achieve a desired outcome.

is up to par

Suggests that something meets a required standard or level of quality.

is passable

Implies that something is just good enough to get by, perhaps with some reservations.

meets the standard

Specifically refers to fulfilling established criteria or benchmarks.

is fit for purpose

Highlights the suitability of something for a specific task or function.

is just the ticket

Informal expression indicating that something is exactly what is needed or desired.

FAQs

What does "is good enough" mean?

"Is good enough" signifies that something meets the minimum acceptable requirements or standards for a particular purpose or situation, even if it's not perfect or exceptional.

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

It's appropriate when striving for perfection isn't necessary or practical, and the current state or quality meets the essential requirements. It's often used to indicate a pragmatic approach or acceptance of a less-than-ideal but functional outcome.

What are some alternatives to "is good enough"?

You can use alternatives like "is sufficient", "is adequate", or "is satisfactory" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "is good enough" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is good enough" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, where "is" serves as the verb and "good enough" functions as an adjective phrase describing the subject.