it is only enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something meets a minimum requirement or standard but does not exceed it. Example: "In terms of funding, it is only enough to cover basic expenses, leaving no room for additional projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It is only enough for three days – so for the other 27 days I would go hungry," said Kibrom.

The Guardian

Although Hill includes some information along the way about their offstage lives, it is only enough to let the reader appreciate their onstage circumstances.

The New York Times - Books

It is only enough to show that Theorem 2.5 implies Theorem 1.3.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

it is only enough to stay close, to join the story in real time".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"A week ago I had enough to buy €200, now it's only enough for €150".

The Guardian

It was only enough to avoid being smothered by a blanket of darkness, but Carver persevered and advanced to the quarterfinals.

The New York Times - Sports

Wyatt survived though, and hit the Deadman with the Sister Abigail, but it was only enough for a narrow two-count.

Independent

A Hoffmann-LaRoche sales representative gave them a carton of pills on the spot, but it was only enough for double therapy for seven children for three months.

The New York Times

Despite the very distorted media landscape, and despite all this advertising, it was only enough to mobilise voters from Fidesz and Jobbik," a far-right opposition party.

The Guardian

Let us all follow their example of love and charity and help with whatever we can, even if it's only enough for them to buy a few pieces of fruit.

The New York Times

"We have a surplus in the bank, but it's only enough to allow us to pay for expenses for one month," said Dominic Angerame (pronounced ahn-JUR-ah-mee), the executive director.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is only enough", ensure the context clearly indicates what the minimum requirement or standard is. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the limited scope of the adequacy.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only enough" when you actually mean something is more than sufficient. This phrase implies a minimal level of adequacy, so using it in the wrong context can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only enough" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that something meets a minimum requirement or standard but doesn't exceed it. It qualifies the extent to which something is sufficient.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

6.25%

Academia

3.125%

Encyclopedias

3.125%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is only enough" is a phrase used to express minimal sufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, advising it for situations where something meets a base requirement without exceeding it. While grammatically sound and understandable, the phrase's neutral tone and somewhat limited occurrence, indicate that alternative phrases such as ""it is just sufficient"" or ""it is barely adequate"" might provide a slightly more descriptive alternative depending on context. The phrase is common in contexts such as news and media and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is just sufficient

This alternative uses 'just' instead of 'only', emphasizing the barely adequate nature.

it is just about sufficient

Adding 'just about' further emphasizes the marginal sufficiency.

it is barely adequate

This alternative uses 'barely adequate' offering a more direct expression of minimal acceptability.

it is merely adequate

This alternative uses 'merely' to stress the just sufficient nature.

it is the minimum required

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the aspect of requirement.

it is simply enough

This uses 'simply' to indicate that it is adequate, without being excessive.

it suffices

This is a concise and formal way of expressing that something is adequate.

it meets the basic needs

This emphasizes the fulfillment of essential requirements.

it's adequate and nothing more

This explicitly states the lack of excess beyond what's needed.

that's all it takes

This alternative suggests that the level needed is minimal and achievable.

FAQs

How can I use "it is only enough" in a sentence?

You can use "it is only enough" to indicate that something meets the minimum requirement or standard but does not exceed it. For example: "The funding "it is only enough" to cover basic expenses."

What can I say instead of "it is only enough"?

Alternatives to "it is only enough" include "it is just sufficient", "it is barely adequate", or "it suffices", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "it is only enough" the same as "it is more than enough"?

No, "it is only enough" implies a minimal level of adequacy, while "it is more than enough" suggests an excess or surplus. They have opposite meanings.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is only enough"?

Use "it is only enough" when you want to convey that something barely meets the necessary requirements and there is no room for error or additional needs.