is not enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing something that someone needs or wants but does not have in sufficient quantity. For example, "Her knowledge of the subject is not enough to do the job properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goodwill is not enough.

The Economist

Close is not enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Condemnation is not enough".

The New York Times

Hope is not enough.

The New York Times - Science

Love is not enough.

The New York Times

That is not enough.

The New York Times

"Anger is not enough.

Independent

"No" is not enough.

The Economist

Speed is not enough.

Independent

"There is not enough".

The New York Times

"Culture is not enough.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not enough" to clearly express that something is deficient or insufficient for a particular purpose. Be specific about what is lacking and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "is not enough" repeatedly in long, complex sentences. Break down the sentence or use synonyms to maintain clarity and impact. Too many instances of the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not enough" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a state of insufficiency or inadequacy. Ludwig shows examples from diverse contexts, confirming its broad applicability. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not enough" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate insufficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While suitable for general use, more formal synonyms like "is insufficient" may be preferred in academic or professional writing. To ensure clarity, be specific about what is lacking and why it matters. Avoid overuse to maintain impact. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is insufficient

Uses a more formal adjective to convey inadequacy.

is inadequate

Similar to "insufficient" but can also imply a lack of suitability.

is not adequate

Similar to "is inadequate" but emphasizes a basic level of requirement.

doesn't suffice

Employs a verb to indicate a lack of meeting requirements.

falls short

Idiomatic expression indicating a failure to reach a required standard.

is lacking

Highlights the absence of something needed.

is not up to par

Informal phrase indicating that something doesn't meet expectations.

proves to be lacking

More emphatic way of saying something is insufficient.

is wanting

Implies something is missing or deficient.

does not measure up

Indicates a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "is not enough" in a sentence?

Use "is not enough" to indicate that something is insufficient or inadequate for a specific purpose. For example, "Their effort "is not enough" to win the competition".

What are some alternatives to "is not enough"?

Alternatives include "is insufficient", "is inadequate", or "doesn't suffice". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is not enough" in formal writing?

"Is not enough" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly and directly state that something fails to meet a requirement or standard. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "is insufficient" or "is inadequate" for a more refined tone.

What's the difference between "is not enough" and "is insufficient"?

While both phrases convey a lack of something, "is insufficient" is generally considered more formal and technical than "is not enough". "Is insufficient" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts, whereas "is not enough" is suitable for general use.