not enough time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not enough time' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that there is not enough time or resources available to complete a task. For example: "We have a tight deadline, but there's just not enough time to finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's not enough time.

The Washington Post

Too much to do, not enough time.

The New York Times

"Six preseason games is not enough time".

The New York Times - Sports

But that is not enough time.

The Economist

Not enough time to do everything.

The New Yorker

There is not enough time.

The Guardian

Usually the problem is not enough time!

Cornell University

That is not enough time to heal.

Harvard Business Review

"That's just not enough time," she said.

The New York Times

Not enough time to watch it.

The New York Times - Sports

I gave money but not enough time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "not enough time" and more formal alternatives like "insufficient time".

Common error

Avoid using "not enough time" as a generic excuse without explaining the underlying reasons. Providing specifics enhances credibility and problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not enough time" functions as a comment or explanation regarding the availability of time to accomplish a certain task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not enough time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a scarcity of time for completing a task. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While versatile, it's often beneficial to provide specific context to enhance clarity. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "insufficient time" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid vagueness by clarifying what is being affected by the lack of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient time

A more formal way of saying there is "not enough time".

too little time

Emphasizes the scarcity of time available.

limited time

Highlights the restriction on the amount of time.

time is lacking

Focuses on the absence of sufficient time.

short on time

A more informal way to express the lack of time.

pressed for time

Indicates urgency due to the limited time available.

running out of time

Emphasizes the depletion of available time.

time constraints

Highlights the limitations imposed by time.

a paucity of time

A very formal and less common way to express a lack of time.

time is at a premium

Suggests that time is valuable and scarce.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "not enough time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "insufficient time", "too little time", or "limited time".

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

You can say, "There's not enough time to complete the project before the deadline" or "I couldn't finish the report because there was not enough time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not enough time"?

Yes, "not enough time" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase in English.

What's the difference between "not enough time" and "insufficient time"?

"Not enough time" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while "insufficient time" is more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.