might not suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "might not suffice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the uncertainty of something being enough to fulfill an objective or requirement. For example: "Even if we both work together, the resources we have available might not suffice to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Merely collecting fees for day passes might not suffice.

The New York Times

Partial divestment of BBC Worldwide might not suffice.

The Guardian

As for the music, to do it justice, a book might not suffice.

The New York Times - Arts

Superb, but emotionally harrowing — one box of Kleenex might not suffice.

The New York Times

Both felt that one goal might not suffice once the second game is played in the Bernabéu Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes I do piece work, but it might not suffice to look after the needs of the children.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"The Plot Against America" is about how it can happen here; about how, if it were to happen here, American Jews and, for that matter, many other courageous Americans would rise up, organize, and resist; and about how their altogether American resistance against an altogether American abuse of power might nonetheless not suffice.

The New Yorker

Thus, a vague threat that someday the prisoner might be killed would not suffice.

The New York Times

A missing minimum might indicate that the score model does not suffice to reliably call the variants.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Shock tactics alone might not have sufficed to give Rodrigues's work the classic status it has attained in Brazil.

The Washington Post

It might not have sufficed to make the movie a commercial success, but it would have turned it into a succès d'estime, not after thirty-two years but from the start.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might not suffice", consider the specific context and audience. In formal writing, it effectively conveys a sense of uncertainty about whether something will be adequate. In less formal contexts, consider using more common alternatives like "may not be enough."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "might not suffice" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "might not be enough" or "may not cut it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might not suffice" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a degree of uncertainty or possibility that something will not be adequate or enough. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates something's potential inadequacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might not suffice" is a versatile expression used to convey uncertainty about the adequacy of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, particularly in expressing doubt about whether a particular measure, resource, or effort will be sufficient to achieve a desired outcome. While it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, its formality makes it more suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Remember that simpler alternatives like "may not be enough" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. Frequent use in academic, news, and scientific sources underscores its utility in conveying nuanced assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may not be enough

Uses "enough" instead of "suffice", offering a more common and less formal alternative.

might prove inadequate

Replaces "suffice" with "inadequate", emphasizing the lack of suitability or qualification.

may fall short

Employs a more idiomatic expression to indicate a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

might be insufficient

Substitutes "suffice" with "insufficient", indicating a quantitative or qualitative lack.

may not be adequate

Uses "adequate" instead of "suffice", suggesting a failure to meet a certain standard or level of acceptability.

might not be up to par

Replaces "suffice" with the idiom "up to par", indicating that something may not meet the required standard.

could be lacking

Focuses on the deficiency or absence of something necessary.

may be wanting

Indicates a lack or deficiency, often in a qualitative sense.

might not cut it

Utilizes an informal expression to convey that something is not good enough or effective enough.

could prove to be deficient

Emphasizes the potential for something to be lacking or inadequate, particularly in a formal context.

FAQs

How can I use "might not suffice" in a sentence?

You can use "might not suffice" to express uncertainty about something being adequate for a specific purpose. For example, "The current budget "might not suffice" to cover all the necessary expenses."

What are some alternatives to "might not suffice"?

Some alternatives include "may not be enough", "might be insufficient", or "may fall short", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "might not suffice" or "may not suffice"?

Both "might not suffice" and "may not suffice" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Might" suggests a slightly lower probability than "may", but the difference is often negligible.

What is the difference between "might not suffice" and "is not sufficient"?

"Might not suffice" expresses uncertainty about whether something will be sufficient, while "is not sufficient" states definitively that something is not enough. The former implies a possibility, while the latter states a fact.