near enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficiently close or adequate for a particular purpose, even if it is not exact. Example: "The measurements were not perfect, but they were near enough for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Near enough.

The New Yorker

It is nowhere near enough.

The New York Times

I couldn't get near enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Or near enough, anyway.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately it was nowhere near enough.

Independent

And the modifications are nowhere near enough.

The New York Times

It's near enough, isn't it?

The Guardian - Books

It was nowhere near enough.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's near enough for me," Dolours replied.

The New Yorker

A million is nowhere near enough.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A near-enough lockout of the front, then.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "near enough" when you want to convey that something is adequate or acceptable, even if it's not perfectly precise. It implies a pragmatic acceptance of slight inaccuracies for the sake of convenience or practicality.

Common error

Avoid using "near enough" when precise accuracy is crucial. In contexts requiring exactness, opt for phrases like "precisely" or "exactly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near enough" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate approximation or sufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of the phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "near enough" is a commonly used expression to indicate that something is adequately close or accurate for a given purpose, even if it's not perfect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts where precise accuracy is not critical. For more formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "approximately" or "sufficiently close" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase conveys the intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close enough

Indicates that something is sufficiently accurate or similar.

sufficiently close

Highlights the adequacy of proximity or resemblance.

roughly equivalent

Suggests an approximate equivalence, not necessarily exact.

practically the same

Emphasizes the lack of significant difference for practical purposes.

more or less

Indicates a general approximation or similarity.

in the ballpark

Means within an acceptable range of accuracy or estimation.

virtually identical

Almost the same, with minor or negligible differences.

essentially similar

Highlights the fundamental similarity despite potential minor variations.

almost exact

Very close to being precise or accurate.

approximates to

Indicates that something is similar in value or amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "near enough" to indicate that something is sufficiently close or accurate for a specific purpose. For example, "The estimate was "close enough" for our budget planning."

What phrases are similar to "near enough"?

Alternatives to "near enough" include "close enough", "sufficiently close", or "more or less". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "near enough" versus "exactly"?

"Near enough" is suitable when slight inaccuracies are acceptable or inconsequential. Use "exactly" when precision is essential and no deviation is permissible.

Is "near enough" formal or informal?

"Near enough" is generally considered informal, although acceptable in many contexts. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "approximately" or "sufficiently close".