not concrete enough

USAGE SUMMARY

'not concrete enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when something is not specific enough. For example, "The instructions on this project are not concrete enough; I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The court also found that the financing plans of Saab's parent, Swedish Automobile, relying as they did on Chinese companies that had not yet received Beijing's approval, were not concrete enough, Ms. Tisell said.

The New York Times

That is, if an example is not concrete enough, it may be too difficult to understand.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

He says the most glaring problem is that entrepreneurs are not concrete enough on the capital required.

Forbes

Although the NBS and its provincial-level branches conduct specialized input output statistical surveys, there are still large amounts of statistics borrowed from other sources that are not concrete enough for an IO table.

Journal of Economic Structures

First, compared to other nations, policy-makers from some organizations reported that the goals of their organizations were not concrete enough and did not focus on improving the health of the population.

Health Research Policy and Systems

However, the comments from the majority of the residents with dementia in this study were not concrete enough to be used as the quotes in the article, even though they were able to indicate when they agreed with their families' comments by nodding their head or with simple phrases (e.g. 'that's right, I always liked music').

Aging and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This wasn't concrete enough, he told me.

The New York Times

But that's a problem for Facebook as in the prevous trial the court had refused to order a code review due to a lack of evidence and assumptions that were not deemed concrete enough.

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, while they may be playing around with some new sounds, there certainly isn't anything concrete enough to suggest we are actually getting a new record.

Vice

The concern is that the images won't be sufficiently upsetting: not concrete, not detailed enough.

The New Yorker

However, a number of the already existing theoretical accounts of normative-empirical collaboration do not provide researchers with information which is concrete enough to set up an empirical study in medical ethics on their basis alone.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "not concrete enough", ensure you provide specific examples of what would make it more concrete. For instance, instead of saying "The plan is not concrete enough", specify "The plan is not concrete enough; it lacks a detailed budget and timeline."

Common error

While "not concrete enough" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "insufficiently defined" or "lacking specificity" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not concrete enough" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a deficiency in its tangibility or specificity. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase expresses a lack of detailed support.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not concrete enough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express that something lacks sufficient detail or specificity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as an adjectival modifier. It appears most frequently in Science and News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral level of formality. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific examples when using this phrase. While acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives in academic writing. In essence, "not concrete enough" serves as a practical way to critique a plan or idea, prompting a need for further elaboration or substantiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not specific enough

Focuses on the lack of detailed information or precision.

not detailed enough

Emphasizes the absence of sufficient particulars or elaboration.

too abstract

Highlights the lack of tangible or practical elements.

too vague

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision.

lacking substance

Stresses the absence of meaningful or solid content.

insufficiently defined

Highlights a lack of clear boundaries or parameters.

not clearly defined

Emphasizes the absence of a clear and distinct explanation.

not well-defined

Highlights the absence of clearly defined characteristics.

not explicit enough

Emphasizes a lack of directness or clarity in expression.

too high-level

Suggests the information is too general, lacking granular detail.

FAQs

What does "not concrete enough" mean?

The phrase "not concrete enough" means something lacks specific details or tangible evidence, making it difficult to understand or implement. It indicates a need for more clarity and precision.

How can I make my ideas more concrete?

To make your ideas more concrete, provide specific examples, data, and actionable steps. Avoid abstract concepts and focus on practical applications.

What are some alternatives to saying "not concrete enough"?

You can use alternatives like "not specific enough", "too vague", or "lacking substance" depending on the context.

In what situations would I use the phrase "not concrete enough"?

You might use "not concrete enough" when evaluating a plan, proposal, or explanation that lacks the necessary details for clear understanding or effective action. It's applicable in business, academic, and everyday situations.