it is not sufficient to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not sufficient to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something does not meet the necessary requirements or standards. Example: "In order to achieve the desired results, it is not sufficient to simply follow the basic guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is not sufficient to downplay financial transactions as technical errors," it said.

The New York Times

But while military power is necessary, it is not sufficient to resolve the situation in Syria.

The New York Times

It is not sufficient to say the obvious, that history and God will judge you.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not sufficient to hector the rebels to "get their act together".

The New York Times

IT is not sufficient to be able to write well; one must also have something to say.

The New York Times - Books

"While military power is necessary, it is not sufficient to resolve the situation in Syria," Obama said.

The New Yorker

This means that it is not sufficient to mine call records afterwards – real-time tip-off is essential".

The Guardian

Even when the revelation finally comes, it is not sufficient to fully explain the irrationality of the preceding action.

The Guardian

It is not sufficient to tell the Palestinians that they must stop incessant incitement against Israel and Jews.

The New York Times

However, it is not sufficient to obtain all this information.

Catalysis Today

For PIC methods it is not sufficient to adapt the computational grid.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not sufficient to", clearly state what additional actions or elements are necessary to achieve the desired outcome. This provides context and direction for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not sufficient to" when a milder expression of inadequacy would suffice. Overstating the insufficiency can make your writing sound overly critical or dismissive. Instead, consider using alternatives like "it may not be ideal to" or "it's not always best to" in situations where the deficiency is minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not sufficient to" functions as a negative assertion, indicating that a particular action or condition is inadequate or incomplete on its own. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not sufficient to" serves as a formal way to express that something is inadequate on its own and that additional elements or actions are needed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate what else is required to achieve the desired outcome. While alternatives like "it's not enough to" and "it is inadequate to" exist, they might not always capture the same level of formality. Avoid overstating the insufficiency to maintain a balanced and objective tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is inadequate to

Replaces "sufficient" with "inadequate", directly contrasting the level of necessity.

it is not enough to

Uses "enough" as a simpler synonym for "sufficient", maintaining a similar level of formality.

it is insufficient to

Uses the direct negative form of "sufficient", emphasizing a lack of adequacy.

it's not adequate to

A contraction of "it is", making it slightly less formal.

it falls short to

Indicates a failure to reach a necessary standard or requirement.

it's not satisfactory to

Replaces "sufficient" with "satisfactory", focusing on meeting expectations or needs.

it's not competent to

More specific, implies lacking necessary skills or abilities.

it will not do to

Indicates that something is unacceptable or unsuitable, often in a slightly more forceful way.

that's not going to cut it

An informal expression meaning something is inadequate.

that won't suffice

A more direct and slightly formal way of saying something isn't enough.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is not sufficient to" in a more concise way?

You can use shorter alternatives such as "it's not enough to", or "it's inadequate to". Consider the context to choose the most fitting replacement, ensuring it maintains the intended meaning of "it is not sufficient to".

What does "it is not sufficient to" imply in an argument?

It implies that a proposed action or explanation, while potentially necessary, is not by itself adequate to achieve a desired result or fully address a problem. Additional steps or factors must be considered beyond the initial suggestion. It's similar to arguing that something "falls short to".

Is "it is not sufficient to" formal or informal?

"It is not sufficient to" is generally considered formal and can be used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. For informal settings, phrases like "that won't cut it" may be more appropriate.

When should I use "it is not sufficient to" instead of "it is not necessary to"?

Use "it is not sufficient to" when something is required but doesn't fully meet the needs or solve the problem on its own. Use "it is not necessary to" when something is entirely unneeded. For example, "While effort is necessary, "it is not sufficient to" guarantee success" versus "It is not necessary to add sugar; the fruit is already sweet."