light enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a sufficient lack of weight or is not heavy enough to be burdensome. Example: "The backpack is light enough for me to carry on my hike without any trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Batteries light enough to fly with do exist.

The Economist

Most nights remained light enough for reading inside the tents.

The New York Times - Travel

The P9 is definitely thin and light enough.

The Guardian - Tech

"I wasn't light enough, too much gravitas," she said.

The New Yorker

But the dosa "pancake" itself wasn't crisp and light enough.

The Guardian - Travel

This makes the probes small and light enough to piggyback on the lander.

The Economist

Her moussaka and pastitsio are distinctive, light enough to float off the plate.

The New York Times

The seats fold and are light enough to remove altogether without breaking into a sweat.

Independent

It's difficult to find shades that are light enough for my fair complexion.

The New York Times

Omarion's voice is slithery, not deep enough for truly felt confessional nor light enough to tease.

The New York Times

First, it weighs a mere 3.5 pounds, light enough to rest on your lap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure that the context clarifies what "light enough" is relative to (e.g., "light enough to carry," "light enough to float").

Common error

Avoid using "light enough" without a clear reference point. It is important to specify what the object or condition is "light enough" for, to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light enough" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something possesses a sufficient lack of weight or brightness for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "light enough" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey that something meets a required threshold of lightness, whether referring to weight or illumination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, adapting seamlessly across news, scientific writing, and general communication. While inherently neutral in tone, clarity is crucial; it's best practice to specify the context or purpose for which something is "light enough" to avoid ambiguity. Considering the various sources and applications, it stands as a practical and easily understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently light

Replaces "enough" with a more formal adverb, maintaining the core meaning.

not too heavy

Uses a negative construction to express the same idea of being light enough.

just light enough

Adds emphasis on the adequacy of the lightness.

barely light enough

Indicates that the object is only marginally light enough.

adequately illuminated

Shifts the focus to light as illumination, suitable when referring to light levels.

sufficiently illuminated

More formally indicates sufficient light.

not too dark

Expresses a similar idea with a focus on luminosity, but uses a double negative.

easily portable

Focuses on the ease of carrying due to lightness.

of manageable weight

Highlights that the weight is within acceptable limits.

easily lifted

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be lifted because it is not too heavy.

FAQs

How can I use "light enough" in a sentence?

You can use "light enough" to describe an object's weight relative to a task or condition. For example, "The laptop is "light enough" to carry in a backpack" or "The fabric is "light enough" for summer clothing".

What are some alternatives to saying "light enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently light", "not too heavy", or "easily portable", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "light enough" versus "lightweight enough"?

"Light enough" is a more general term. "Lightweight enough" implies a focus on the object's inherent properties being lightweight. You might say "The material is "lightweight enough" for kites" or "The package is "light enough" to ship at a lower rate".

Is it correct to say "light enough to be considered X"?

Yes, that's a perfectly valid and common construction. For example, "The data is "light enough" to be considered preliminary", indicating that the lightness of the data allows it to be treated as preliminary.