practically enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose. Example: "The budget we have is practically enough to cover all the expenses for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Outplaying Nadal on Spanish clay is like mastering Rembrandt in Dutch oils, practically enough to throw the earth off its axis.

Independent

I went back a few weeks later to try it again and to try several others, but I'm sticking with the mujaddara, which is practically enough for two people.

The New York Times - Food

Yasumasa Kanada, the brothers' pi rival at Tokyo University, uses a Hitachi S-820/8 S-820/8 0puter that isupercomputer be considerably fasthatthan a Cray Y-MP8, and is believedose to half a million watts — half a megawatt, practically enough power to melt steel.

The New Yorker

They begin practically enough: What do I really know about this camp?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But not a lot; the recently launched Countryman derivative is absurdly huge – its cabin is practically big enough to swallow an original, real Mini whole.

Independent

Scattered in between are Arts and Crafts, Sticks and Dutch colonials, whose tiny eighth-acre lots mean that neighbors are practically close enough to touch.

The New York Times

Years before, as both parties have often recounted, he'd been turned down by Eileen Atkins, who is practically old enough to be his grandmother.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the most basic basics shine, like the thin merino wool sweater, made in Scotland for the house line, which was practically light enough to be worn in this early burst of summer ($95, from $189).

The New York Times

Yet because the ceiling is practically low enough to touch, all the colorful, intricately three-dimensional details of Rafael Guastavino's elaborate design are fresh to the eye, right before you.

The New York Times

Carmine's and its theater district sibling at 200 West 44th Street are still going strong, serving heaping buckets of rigatoni with sausage and broccoli and Bunyanesque cuts of meat, like a huge and delectable porterhouse practically big enough for four.

The New York Times - Arts

To mark the day, American took Blackman, friends and journalists up for a spin above the city in an airplane Blackman was practically old enough to have worked on when it was new, the Flagship Detroit DC-3.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically enough" to convey that something is almost, but not quite, sufficient for a specific purpose. It is more nuanced than simply stating something is "sufficient."

Common error

Avoid using "practically enough" when something is completely and undeniably sufficient. The phrase implies a slight degree of inadequacy or near-sufficiency, which should be reflected in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying adjectives or verbs to indicate a degree of sufficiency that is near, but not absolute. As seen in Ludwig, it describes a state that is functionally close to being adequate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically enough" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is almost sufficient or adequate, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not highly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general informational writing. It's best employed when you want to convey near-sufficiency with a subtle implication that it might not be perfect but it works. Remember, it is better to avoid using the phrase where there is complete sufficiency or in informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost sufficient

Emphasizes the near-sufficiency, highlighting that it's just shy of being completely adequate.

virtually adequate

Focuses on the functional adequacy, implying that for all practical purposes, it suffices.

nearly adequate

Similar to "almost sufficient", stressing the closeness to the required level.

substantially sufficient

Indicates a significant degree of sufficiency, suggesting it's more than just barely enough.

effectively adequate

Highlights the practical effectiveness of being adequate, despite possible shortcomings.

functionally adequate

Similar to "effectively adequate", focusing on meeting the functional requirements.

pretty much enough

An informal alternative that conveys a sense of being close to sufficient.

close to sufficient

Emphasizes the proximity to the level of sufficiency needed.

just about adequate

Suggests a bare minimum of adequacy, implying it might not be ideal but it works.

more or less sufficient

Indicates a general sufficiency with minor deviations or imperfections.

FAQs

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

Use "practically enough" to indicate that something almost meets a certain requirement or standard. For example, "The funding is "practically enough" to cover the basic expenses, but we'll need to fundraise for additional resources."

What can I say instead of "practically enough"?

You can use alternatives like "almost sufficient", "nearly adequate", or "virtually adequate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "practically enough" or "almost enough"?

Both ""practically enough"" and "almost enough" are correct, but "practically enough" may imply a greater degree of real-world applicability or functionality, while "almost enough" simply denotes proximity to a required amount or level.

When is it inappropriate to use "practically enough"?

It's best to avoid using ""practically enough"" when something far exceeds what's needed. The phrase suggests a situation where something is just shy of being fully sufficient or adequate.