not enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is insufficient to achieve a desired outcome or effect. Example: "The evidence presented was not enough to convince the jury of his innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not enough to notice.

The New York Times

It's not enough to cry.

The New York Times - Arts

Not enough to sell.

The New York Times

Not enough to eat.

The New York Times

That is not enough to build familiarity.

The Economist

It is not enough to be poor.

The New York Times - Health

Not enough to change my views, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

But not enough to salvage the whole.

The New York Times

It's not enough to do it.

The New York Times

"It's just not enough to do.

The New York Times

It is not enough to free them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives if you want to emphasize the insufficiency. Words like "inadequate" or phrases like "falls short" can add impact.

Common error

Avoid using "not enough to" when a stronger, more specific expression of inadequacy is appropriate. Sometimes, a more precise term can better convey the degree or nature of the insufficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not enough to" primarily functions as a qualifier, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a lack of sufficiency. Ludwig shows that it's used to express that something fails to meet a required standard or achieve a desired outcome. For example, "It's not enough to just pass".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not enough to" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating insufficiency or inadequacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, consider stronger alternatives for emphasis. Common usage involves expressing that something fails to meet a required standard or achieve a desired outcome. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, and do not hesitate to enhance your writings with more specific terms when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient to

Formal synonym that replaces "not enough" with a single word indicating a lack of sufficiency.

too little to

Replaces "not enough" with an expression indicating a small quantity or degree.

inadequate to

Similar to "insufficient to", emphasizing the unsuitability for a particular purpose.

falls short of

Uses a verb phrase to convey the idea of not reaching a required standard or level.

fails to suffice

A more formal way of saying that something is not enough.

does not measure up to

Indicates that something does not meet the necessary requirements or expectations.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression meaning not good enough or not meeting the required standard.

less than required to

Specifies that the quantity or degree is below what is necessary.

not quite sufficient to

Adds a qualifier to "sufficient" to soften the statement, but still indicates inadequacy.

scarce enough to

Indicates that a resource is so limited it's inadequate for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "not enough to" mean?

The phrase "not enough to" indicates that something is insufficient or inadequate for a particular purpose or outcome. It suggests a deficiency or lack of something needed.

What can I say instead of "not enough to"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient to", "too little to", or "inadequate to" depending on the context.

How to use "not enough to" in a sentence?

Use "not enough to" to express that something is lacking or deficient for a specific purpose. For example, "The evidence was not enough to convict him" or "The budget is not enough to cover all the expenses."

Is "not enough to" formal or informal?

The phrase "not enough to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "insufficient to" might be preferred in highly formal writing.