not thick enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"not thick enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is too thin or lacking in substance, such as a soup or sauce that needs to be cooked longer to thicken it. For example, "This stew doesn't seem thick enough; let's let it simmer for a few more minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The cloud is just not thick enough.

The Guardian - Tech

If the film was not thick enough, depressions appeared.

Polymer

The layer was not thick enough to seal the pore mouths.

Electrochimica Acta

The school walls were not thick enough for chain gun rounds the size of cigars.

The Washington Post

Clemens claimed he had thick skin, but it was not thick enough.

The New York Times - Sports

If the gravy is not thick enough, dilute some cornflour in a little cold water and stir in.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Markets simply weren't thick enough to meet the new corporations' needs.

The New York Times

The carpet wasn't thick enough and would need to be replaced.

The New Yorker

"A lot of the time the jumper cables aren't thick enough," he said, to get enough power to start the dead car.

The New York Times - Travel

Koolhaas preferred the color of a British gypsum board that wasn't thick enough to meet New York City fire laws, so the wall is actually a veneer over another wall.

The New Yorker

Page B3 A BANK TOUCHED BY MADOFF As if the whole Bernard L. Madoff plot wasn't thick enough to cut with a knife already, $60 million was in an account that the Westport National Bank had with Mr. Madoff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not thick enough" in recipes, specify how to thicken the mixture, such as by adding flour or cornstarch.

Common error

Avoid using "not thick enough" when referring to emotional resilience; instead, use "not resilient enough" or "not thick-skinned enough".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not thick enough" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used as a postmodifier to a noun or pronoun, indicating a deficiency in the quality of thickness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. The examples show its application in describing physical properties like gravy consistency or material depth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not thick enough" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a deficiency in thickness or density. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, this phrase serves the purpose of indicating inadequacy, often prompting a need for adjustment. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, avoiding application to abstract concepts like emotional resilience. Alternatives such as "insufficiently thick" or "too thin" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficiently thick

Formal phrasing emphasizing the lack of adequate thickness.

not dense enough

Focuses on the lack of density or compactness.

not substantial enough

Highlights the inadequacy in substance or body.

too thin

A simpler, more direct way to express the lack of thickness.

lacking thickness

Emphasizes the absence of sufficient thickness.

not concentrated enough

Highlights the lack of concentration when referring to solutions or mixtures.

not viscous enough

Used when referring to liquids and their consistency.

inadequate depth

Focuses on the lack of depth rather than thickness, applicable in certain contexts.

not solid enough

Implies a lack of solidity or firmness.

not heavy enough

Indicates a lack of weight, which can be related to perceived thickness in some contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "not thick enough" to describe something lacking in density or depth. For example, "The sauce is "not thick enough"; it needs more cornstarch".

What are some alternatives to saying "not thick enough"?

Alternatives include "insufficiently thick", "too thin", or "lacking thickness", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "not thick enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that lacks sufficient thickness or density.

When should I use "not dense enough" instead of "not thick enough"?

Use "not dense enough" when referring to the compactness or concentration of something, whereas "not thick enough" refers to physical dimension or consistency.