just barely enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just barely enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount or quality of something is only sufficient to meet a minimum requirement or standard. Example: "The budget for the project was just barely enough to cover the essential expenses, leaving no room for unexpected costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"And that's just barely enough".

The New York Times

"There's just barely enough supply to go around".

The New York Times

The new venue wasn't big — we had a grand piano and just barely enough space to squeeze in a quintet.

The New Yorker

"Under a normal scenario, that's just barely enough to get through winter," Mr. Grams said.

The New York Times

Doing this I got the exact value of the game, 50/3 * (1 + sqrt 2), which is just barely enough.

The New York Times

This spring, Mario was trying out a new motto, borrowed from the writer Shirley O. Corriher: "Wretched excess is just barely enough".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Verify that the hinge groove is just barely wide enough and long enough for your three hinge knuckles, then remove the masking tape.

WikiHow

The decor barely exists, just enough to give off a vaguely pleasant impression.

The New York Times - Food

The decor barely exists, just enough to give a vaguely pleasant impression.

The New York Times - Arts

At the prevailing black-market rate, the sum represented just $30, barely enough to buy a 50kg sack of rice.

The Economist

But on Wednesday 64% of Dutch referendum voters rejected it; the turnout was just 32% – barely enough for the result to be valid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just barely enough", consider the impact of the understatement. Is the intention to downplay a success, or to highlight a precarious situation? Your choice of words should align with your desired effect.

Common error

Avoid using "just barely enough" when the situation requires a stronger expression of inadequacy or risk. It might downplay the severity of a problem that requires immediate attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just barely enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "enough". It modifies a noun or verb by expressing the degree to which something is sufficient. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just barely enough" is a common adverbial phrase used to express minimal sufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound, and it appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. It's important to consider the subtle difference between "just enough" and "just barely enough", as the latter emphasizes the precariousness of the situation. When writing, ensure your word choice appropriately conveys the urgency or lack thereof, as this phrase can easily downplay the severity of situations if not used with caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely adequate

Removes "just" for a slightly more formal tone.

only just enough

Uses "only" to emphasize the limited quantity.

scarcely sufficient

Emphasizes the lack of excess and the nearness to inadequacy more directly.

hardly adequate

Focuses on the marginal acceptability of something.

marginally sufficient

Highlights the narrow margin by which something meets requirements.

almost inadequate

Highlights the potential for insufficiency.

minimally acceptable

Stresses the low standard that is met.

thinly stretched

Suggests resources are being used to their absolute limit.

meagerly sufficient

Emphasizes the scantiness of the provision.

by a whisker

Idiomatic expression indicating a very close margin.

FAQs

How can I use "just barely enough" in a sentence?

You can use "just barely enough" to describe a situation where something is adequate but only by a small margin. For example, "The funding was "just barely enough" to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "just barely enough"?

Alternatives include "scarcely sufficient", "hardly adequate", or "marginally sufficient". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "barely enough" without the "just"?

Yes, "barely enough" is also correct and often interchangeable. Adding "just" can emphasize the narrowness of the margin. Therefore "barely enough" without the "just" could add formality.

What's the difference between "just enough" and "just barely enough"?

"Just enough" implies that something is perfectly adequate for the task. "Just barely enough" indicates that it is adequate, but only by a very small margin, and there is likely no room for error or unexpected circumstances. "Just enough" suggests comfort; "just barely enough" suggests a close call.