natural enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is expected or typical, but not necessarily exceptional or extraordinary. It can also be used to suggest a level of acceptance or understanding. Example: "Her explanation for being late seemed natural enough, but I still had my doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is natural enough.

The New York Times

Self-interest is natural enough.

The New York Times

After just a year, that's natural enough.

The Guardian

Natural enough, since the name peregrine means wanderer.

The New York Times - Science

Wanting to be noticed is a natural enough urge.

The Guardian - Books

This is natural enough for a legal document.

The New York Times

The media's desire to psychoanalyze members of generation W is natural enough.

The New York Times

Numbers are everything, so it was natural enough to build some into the story.

The New Yorker

That is natural enough, but they often deter private investment or exclude it altogether.

The Economist

The desire to define by binary lists is natural enough, but it is rarely helpful.

Independent

They looked natural enough to have been bought off the rack.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "natural enough" to convey acceptance or understanding of a situation without necessarily implying approval. For example, "It's natural enough to feel disappointed after a loss, but it's important to move on."

Common error

While "natural enough" is widely used, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "understandable" or "logical" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural enough" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a situation, feeling, or reaction as being expected or understandable. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase suggests a sense of acceptance or lack of surprise given the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "natural enough" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to express that something is expected or understandable in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a sense of acceptance without necessarily implying approval. With high usage in news and media sources, "natural enough" maintains a neutral register. While it's grammatically correct and widely used, consider the context and formality of your writing when choosing between "natural enough" and its alternatives. Be aware of potential overuse in academic works.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understandable

Focuses on the ease of comprehension or the reasonableness of something.

logical

Emphasizes the rational or reasoned basis for something.

unsurprising

Highlights the lack of astonishment or unexpectedness.

expected

Indicates that something was anticipated or predicted.

typical

Conveys that something is representative of a common pattern or occurrence.

not unexpected

Suggests that something was likely to happen, or anticipated to happen.

only to be expected

Expresses that something is a standard outcome and doesn't cause surprise.

hardly surprising

Similar to "unsurprising", emphasizing minimal astonishment.

perfectly normal

Indicates something aligns with standard conventions or expected behaviors.

easily understood

Focuses on the accessibility and clarity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "natural enough" to describe something that is expected or understandable in a given situation. For example, "It's "natural enough" that people feel anxious before a job interview."

What are some alternatives to "natural enough"?

Alternatives to "natural enough" include "understandable", "logical", or "unsurprising", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "natural enough" formal or informal?

"Natural enough" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, though it may be better to choose a more precise word in highly formal writing.

What does "natural enough" imply?

"Natural enough" implies that something is not surprising or unexpected, given the circumstances. It suggests a degree of acceptance or understanding without necessarily implying full agreement or approval.