is plainly insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plainly insufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is clearly inadequate or not enough to meet a certain standard or requirement. Example: "The evidence provided in the report is plainly insufficient to support the claims made by the author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But this, as its sources show, is plainly insufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

Interdiction of milk supplies, though important, is plainly insufficient.

The New York Times

With their observation that the conventional wisdom that divides people broadly into liberals and conservatives is "plainly insufficient, even lazy".

Huffington Post

US judges are beginning to reject this theory, in the case US v. Bonallo the court ruled that "the fact that it is possible to alter data contained in a computer is plainly insufficient to establish untrustworthiness".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

NCLB's reforms were plainly insufficient.

The Economist

Though the _Times _recently reported that more than three times as many moving violations have been issued to bikers in Central Park in 2014 as in the same period in 2013, these efforts are plainly insufficient.

The New Yorker

Though the _Times _recently reported that more than three times as many moving violations have been issued to bikers in Central Park in 2014 as in the same period in 2013, these efforts are plainly insufficient.

The New Yorker

Though the Times recently reported that more than three times as many moving violations have been issued to bikers in Central Park in 2014 as in the same period in 2013, these efforts are plainly insufficient.

The New Yorker

Reliable transport protocols are plainly insufficient to serve the above purpose.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

On Wednesday evening, Wayne Perry, President of Boy Scouts for America, conceded its response to the incidents had been "plainly insufficient, inappropriate and wrong," Reuters news agency reported.

BBC

"There have been instances where people misused their positions in Scouting to abuse children, and in certain cases, our response to these incidents and our efforts to protect youth were plainly insufficient, inappropriate, or wrong," Perry said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is plainly insufficient" when you want to convey a clear and direct assessment that something is not enough to meet a specific need or expectation. It adds a sense of obviousness to the inadequacy.

Common error

While "is plainly insufficient" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "isn't enough" or "doesn't cut it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plainly insufficient" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its inadequacy. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase effectively conveys the sense of something clearly not being enough.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is plainly insufficient" is a grammatically sound expression used to clearly state that something is inadequate or not enough. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent in wiki and scientific contexts, it is generally appropriate for neutral to formal settings. If a more casual tone is desired, alternatives like "isn't enough" or "doesn't cut it" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clearly inadequate

Emphasizes the obviousness of the inadequacy, similar to "plainly insufficient".

is patently lacking

Highlights a clear absence or shortage of something necessary.

is obviously deficient

Stresses a noticeable lack of necessary qualities or elements.

is markedly inadequate

Indicates that the inadequacy is easily noticeable or significant.

is manifestly lacking

Suggests the deficiency is readily apparent or evident.

is decidedly wanting

Implies a clear and definite lack of something required.

is demonstrably unfit

Focuses on the unsuitability or unfitness for a particular purpose.

is palpably inadequate

Highlights the obviousness and ease with which the inadequacy can be perceived.

falls short significantly

Indicates a notable failure to meet the required standard or expectation.

proves to be inadequate

Highlights the inadequacy, particularly after a trial or test.

FAQs

What does "is plainly insufficient" mean?

The phrase "is plainly insufficient" means that something is clearly and obviously not enough or inadequate for a particular purpose or requirement. It emphasizes that the inadequacy is easily noticeable.

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

You can use "is plainly insufficient" to express that something clearly does not meet the necessary requirements. For example: "The budget allocated for the project "is plainly insufficient" to cover all the expenses".

What are some alternatives to "is plainly insufficient"?

Some alternatives include "is clearly inadequate", "is obviously deficient", or "is simply not enough". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "is plainly insufficient" formal or informal?

"Is plainly insufficient" leans towards a more formal tone. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "isn't enough" or "doesn't cut it" for a more relaxed feel.