often enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"often enough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an amount or frequency that is enough for the desired result or purpose, although not necessarily the maximum. For example: "I try to go for a walk in the park often enough to stay in shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not often enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Often enough, it is.

The New York Times

Successfully so, often enough.

The New York Times

This happens often enough.

The New York Times

It doesn't happen often enough.

Independent

Not always, but often enough.

The New York Times - Food

Often enough, it still is.

The New York Times - Sports

Often enough, thanks.

The Guardian

But not often enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Not often enough, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "often enough", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'enough'. The interpretation can be subjective and dependent on the situation.

Common error

While "often enough" is versatile, it may sound informal in academic or business writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "sufficiently frequently" or "adequately" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often enough" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the frequency of an action is sufficient for a particular purpose. Ludwig shows many examples, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "often enough" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to convey that an action occurs with sufficient frequency to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across various contexts. While "often enough" maintains a neutral register, it is important to consider formality levels when choosing suitable alternatives like "sufficiently frequent" or "adequately frequent" for academic or professional writing. By understanding its usage patterns and communicative purpose, writers can effectively employ "often enough" to add nuance and precision to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently frequent

Replaces "often enough" with more formal synonyms, emphasizing the adequacy of the frequency.

adequately frequent

Similar to "sufficiently frequent" but emphasizes meeting a required standard of frequency.

frequently adequate

Inverts the structure, focusing on the adequacy of the frequency itself.

regularly sufficient

Highlights the regularity and sufficiency of the occurrence.

with adequate frequency

Adds a prepositional phrase to emphasize the manner of frequency.

to a sufficient extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or extent being adequate.

as frequently as needed

Specifies that the frequency is determined by a need or requirement.

on enough occasions

Rephrases the concept in terms of the number of occasions.

with some regularity

Implies a predictable pattern that is sufficient for the purpose.

to a satisfactory degree

Emphasizes the satisfactory level reached by the action.

FAQs

How can I use "often enough" in a sentence?

Use "often enough" to express that something occurs with sufficient frequency for a specific purpose. For example, "I exercise "often enough" to stay healthy" or "She visits her parents "often enough" to maintain a close relationship".

What phrases can I use instead of "often enough"?

Alternatives to "often enough" include "sufficiently frequent", "adequately frequent", or "frequently adequate", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it correct to say "enough often" instead of "often enough"?

No, the correct phrasing is "often enough". The adverb "often" precedes the adjective "enough" in this construction. "Enough often" is not grammatically standard.

What's the difference between "often" and "often enough"?

"Often" simply indicates that something happens frequently. "Often enough" implies that the frequency is sufficient for a particular purpose or to meet a specific need. For instance, you might say, "I go to the gym often", but "I go to the gym "often enough" to stay in shape".