not fast enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not fast enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something or someone is insufficiently quick to meet a requirement or expectation. Example: "The internet connection was not fast enough to stream the video without buffering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But not fast enough".

The New York Times

But maybe not fast enough.

The New Yorker

Fast, but not fast enough.

The Economist

"It's not fast enough".

The New York Times - Sports

Our finish was just not fast enough.

Independent

But she simply was not fast enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Only that's not fast enough.

The Guardian - Travel

It's not fast enough for me.

The Guardian

The crowd scattered, but not fast enough.

The Guardian

That is not fast enough to burn.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not fast enough, it turns out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not fast enough", clearly state what the required speed or pace is to provide context. For example, "The internet connection is not fast enough for streaming HD video".

Common error

Avoid using "not fast enough" without specifying what the required speed is. Without context, the phrase can be vague and lack impact. Instead of saying "The process is not fast enough", specify "The process is not fast enough to meet the deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not fast enough" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not fast enough" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something lacks the required speed or pace. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and general discourse. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to clarify the specific speed or pace that is deemed insufficient. Consider alternatives such as "too slow" or "insufficiently quick" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too slow

This alternative is a more concise way to express that something lacks the required speed.

not quick enough

This alternative is very similar in meaning but uses the word "quick" instead of "fast".

insufficiently quick

This alternative is a more formal way of saying something is not fast enough.

slower than required

This alternative highlights the discrepancy between the actual speed and the needed speed.

progressing too slowly

This alternative emphasizes the gradual nature of the insufficient speed.

falling short on speed

This alternative highlights the failure to meet a speed requirement.

lagging behind

This alternative implies a comparison to others or a set standard.

not up to speed

This idiomatic alternative suggests a lack of necessary pace or progress.

at an inadequate pace

This is a more formal and descriptive way of saying something is not fast enough.

behind schedule

This alternative is typically used when referring to deadlines or timelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "not fast enough" to express that something or someone is insufficiently quick to meet a certain requirement or expectation. For example, "The car wasn't "fast enough" to win the race."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "not fast enough"?

Alternatives to "not fast enough" include "too slow", "insufficiently quick", or "slower than required". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, the phrase "not fast enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

When should I use "not fast enough" instead of "too slow"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "not fast enough" might be preferred when you want to emphasize that something falls short of a specific required speed or target, whereas "too slow" is a more general statement of insufficient speed.