not far enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not far enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain distance or degree has not been reached or achieved. Example: "The project is progressing, but we are not far enough along to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe not far enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Or not far enough?

The Economist

"Not far enough," she says.

Independent

Not far enough?

Harvard Business Review

Too far right, or not far enough?

The New Yorker

Maybe that's not far enough.

The Guardian - Money

But for others, not far enough.

The Washington Post

But that's not far enough for Google.

MIT Technology Review

But it's still not far enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're not far enough along in California".

The New York Times

"We have come a long way, but not far enough.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "insufficiently advanced" or "lacking sufficient progress" for varied expression and to avoid repetition of the phrase in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not far enough" without specifying what the subject is falling short of. Without a clear reference point, the statement lacks impact and may confuse the reader. Instead of saying "Progress is not far enough", specify what aspect of progress isn't adequate, such as "Progress in reducing emissions is "not far enough" to meet climate goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not far enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which an action or state falls short of a desired outcome. It modifies verbs or adjectives to express insufficiency. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not far enough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase to express that something has failed to meet a particular standard or objective. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communications. Related phrases such as "insufficiently advanced" or "lacking sufficient progress" can offer variety in expression. When using "not far enough", it's important to provide clear context to avoid vagueness. Ludwig’s analysis highlights the phrase’s versatile application and provides guidance on its effective use across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficiently advanced

Focuses on the level of progress or development.

not advanced sufficiently

Emphasizes the lack of adequate advancement.

lacking sufficient progress

Highlights the absence of enough progress.

inadequate extent

Refers to the limited degree or scope achieved.

not to the necessary degree

Stresses the failure to reach the required level.

still falls short

Indicates that something is still lacking or deficient.

not quite there

An informal way of saying that something has not yet reached its goal.

not fully realized

Suggests that the potential or desired outcome has not been completely achieved.

only partially achieved

Implies that only a fraction of the intended result has been attained.

room for improvement remains

Highlights that there is still potential for further development or advancement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not far enough" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "insufficiently advanced", "inadequate", or "lacking sufficient progress". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated way to express that something has "not far enough" achieved the required level or extent.

What does it mean when someone says something is "not far enough"?

When someone says something is "not far enough", it means that the progress, distance, or extent achieved is insufficient to meet a specific goal or standard. It implies that more effort or advancement is needed to reach the desired outcome.

Is "not far enough" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not far enough" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to express that something is insufficient or has "not far enough" reached the desired level.

What are some examples of how "not far enough" is used in a sentence?

Examples of using "not far enough" include: "The budget cuts were a good start, but they were "not far enough" to solve the financial crisis." or "The measures taken to reduce pollution are "not far enough" to meet environmental targets."