not enough for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not enough for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not meet a required standard or quantity for a particular purpose. Example: "The funding provided was not enough for the project to be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not enough for you?

The New Yorker

But not enough for Goldie.

The New Yorker

That's not enough for you?

Independent

Still not enough for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not enough for Hawaii.

The New York Times - Travel

That apparently was not enough for Coty.

The New York Times

Apparently not enough for some critics.

The New York Times - Food

I was not enough for some people.

Independent

But that is not enough for me.

The New York Times

"Anger is not enough for change".

The New York Times

That is not enough for Tory MPs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "insufficient for" or "inadequate for" to vary your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "not enough for" without specifying what is insufficient. For instance, instead of saying "That's not enough for me", specify what 'that' refers to: "That salary is not enough for me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not enough for" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something does not meet the necessary requirements or quantity for a specified purpose or individual. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not enough for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is insufficient or inadequate for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what lacks sufficiency and for what purpose. Consider alternatives such as "insufficient for" to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "not enough for" to convey a clear and precise message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient for

Emphasizes a lack of quantity or quality to meet a need or purpose.

inadequate for

Highlights the unsuitability or deficiency in meeting a specific requirement or standard.

falls short for

Indicates a failure to reach a desired level or expectation.

lacking for

Focuses on the absence or deficiency of something needed.

not up to par for

Implies that something does not meet the expected or required level of quality.

deficient for

Stresses the inadequacy or incompleteness of something for a given purpose.

doesn't suffice for

Indicates that something is not adequate or sufficient to meet a need.

proves inadequate for

Emphasizes that something has been shown to be insufficient for a task or purpose.

is wanting for

Highlights a deficiency or lack in something, indicating that it is not complete or sufficient.

not equal to

Highlights that something doesn't reach the required level.

FAQs

What does "not enough for" mean?

The phrase "not enough for" indicates that something is insufficient or inadequate to meet a particular need, purpose, or expectation. It expresses a lack of sufficiency in a given context.

How can I use "not enough for" in a sentence?

You can use "not enough for" to describe something that does not meet a specific requirement or standard. For example, "The budget was "not enough for" the project's completion".

What are some alternatives to "not enough for"?

Alternatives include "insufficient for", "inadequate for", or "falls short for", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "not enough for" and "insufficient for"?

While both phrases convey a lack of sufficiency, "insufficient for" often carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "not enough for". The choice between them depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.