is insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is insufficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to express that something is not enough or inadequate in some way. Here is an example sentence: "The evidence presented is insufficient to support the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is insufficient.

The New York Times

But this is insufficient.

The New York Times - Arts

Reason alone is insufficient.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe etiquette is insufficient.

The New York Times

But partial disclosure is insufficient.

The New York Times

Age alone is insufficient.

The New York Times

Aid is insufficient.

The Guardian

"The housing is insufficient, the infrastructure is insufficient.

The New Yorker

"It is insufficient," he said.

The New York Times

European soft power is insufficient.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This connection is insufficient for moral motivation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is insufficient", ensure that the subject and context clearly define what is lacking or inadequate. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is insufficient" without clearly specifying what the subject is insufficient for. For example, instead of saying "The funding is insufficient", specify "The funding is insufficient to complete the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is insufficient" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective. It asserts that the subject lacks the necessary qualities or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is insufficient" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey inadequacy. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it correctly links a subject with its deficient state. Its use spans various domains, including news, science, and business, indicating broad applicability. While "is insufficient" can be used across registers, it tends to lean towards formal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is lacking, and consider synonyms like "is inadequate" or "falls short" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inadequate

Replaces 'insufficient' with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

is not enough

A more straightforward and common way to express inadequacy, suitable for informal contexts.

proves inadequate

Highlights that something has been tested and found to be insufficient.

is deficient

A more formal synonym for 'insufficient', often used in technical or scientific contexts.

does not suffice

A slightly more formal and emphatic way of saying 'is not enough'.

falls short

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

is lacking

Emphasizes the absence of something needed, suggesting a deficiency.

is wanting

Indicates that something is missing or not up to par, often with a sense of lacking quality.

is not up to par

An idiomatic phrase suggesting that something fails to meet the expected standard.

is underwhelming

Implies that something is disappointing because it's less impressive than expected.

FAQs

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

Use "is insufficient" to indicate that something does not meet a required need or standard. For instance, "The current budget "is insufficient" to cover all expenses".

What are some alternatives to saying "is insufficient"?

You can use alternatives such as "is inadequate", "is not enough", or "falls short" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "is insufficient" or "is not enough"?

"Is insufficient" is generally considered more formal than "is not enough". Use "is insufficient" in professional or academic writing and "is not enough" in more casual settings.

Which is correct: "the data is insufficient" or "the data are insufficient"?

While "data" is technically the plural of "datum", in modern usage, "data" is often treated as a non-count noun, making "the data is insufficient" acceptable. However, "the data are insufficient" is also correct, especially in more formal contexts.