not ample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not ample" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is insufficient or inadequate in quantity or size. Example: "The resources provided for the project were not ample, leading to delays in completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In this hospitable setting, works by 80 of the arts council's members have adequate, if not ample, space.

The New York Times

He added, "The South Vietnamese forces are not ample enough to cope with the main-force units throughout the country. . . .

The New Yorker

The ordinance, which city officials acknowledge would be difficult to enforce, will limit the number of dispensaries to 70, but its language suggests that even fewer will be permitted if there is not ample space under the new parameters to accommodate them.

The New York Times

(Burns Wahl) Assume that (K_S) is not ample and let (pi :S rightarrow X) be the canonical morphism.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

"Not ample, but adequate".

Los Angeles Times

Was Jason's apology not ample enough?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We joke that while the saying goes, 'Everything's bigger in Texas,' these just weren't ample enough for the Dallas set".

The New York Times

Assessing maturity in organizations that have implemented portfolio management is a rather recent topic and has not been academically discussed in depth; therefore, there aren't ample maturity models in this level.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

But we're also dedicated to it, and we've determined that Thanksgiving Day isn't ample, that Christmas Eve passes too quickly, and that if each of us really means to be central in the others' lives, we must make an investment, the biggest components of which are minutes, hours, days.

The New York Times

(As if there wasn't ample evidence of what was "tortured" about Grass in all the books leading up to this one!) Another writer in the Frankfurter Allgemeine conjectured that the last, unfulfilled mission of Grass's Frundsberg tank division was to get Hitler out of Berlin.

The New York Times - Books

Nerius said that he doesn't blame his parents for subscribing to anti-vax views because at the time there weren't ample ways to read about the science behind vaccines.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not ample", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended degree of insufficiency. Alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" may offer more precise shades of meaning.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "not ample" can sound slightly less formal than alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between these options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not ample" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency or lack of sufficiency. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and used to express that something is less than adequate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not ample" serves as an adjective phrase indicating a lack of sufficiency or adequacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider context and register, especially in formal writing where alternatives like "insufficient" might be preferred. The phrase sees frequent use in news, media, and scientific writing. Alternatives include "inadequate", "insufficient", and "not enough".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

Direct synonym indicating a lack of what's needed.

inadequate

Emphasizes a deficiency in meeting a requirement or expectation.

not enough

Simple and direct expression of insufficiency.

scarce

Highlights rarity or limited availability.

meager

Suggests a small or deficient amount, often implying poverty or lack.

limited

Indicates a restriction on quantity or extent.

restricted

Similar to limited, but can also imply imposed limits.

deficient

Focuses on a lack of something essential or required.

lacking

Highlights the absence of something necessary.

in short supply

Emphasizes that something is available but not in great quantities.

FAQs

What does "not ample" mean?

The phrase "not ample" means there is not enough of something; it is insufficient or inadequate. It indicates a lack of abundance or plentifulness.

What can I say instead of "not ample"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient", "inadequate", or "not enough" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not ample" or "insufficient"?

While both are correct, "insufficient" is often perceived as more formal and precise. The choice depends on the context and desired tone. Use "not ample" in more casual writing and "insufficient" in formal or technical writing.

How to use "not ample" in a sentence?

You can use "not ample" to describe a quantity, amount, or supply that is less than required or desired. For instance, "The time allotted for the task was not ample, leading to incomplete work."