really enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the sufficiency of something, often in a questioning or reflective context. Example: "I thought I had prepared adequately for the exam, but was it really enough to ensure a passing grade?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Are there really enough?

The Economist

Is that really enough?

The Guardian

But really: enough.

The Guardian - Film

Worse, there were not really enough walls.

The New York Times

And not really enough cheese.

The Guardian - Books

And that was really enough.

The New York Times

But this isn't really enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Is this coda really enough?

The Guardian - Books

But is even veganism really enough?

The New Yorker

"Fourteen points is not really enough".

The New York Times - Sports

Are 42 college bowl games really enough?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really enough" to express a degree of doubt or questioning about whether something is truly sufficient. It's often used rhetorically to suggest something is not quite adequate.

Common error

Avoid using "really enough" as a filler phrase in your writing. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis or qualifies the sufficiency of something, rather than simply padding the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really enough" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier emphasizing the degree of sufficiency. It is frequently used to express doubt or uncertainty regarding whether something meets a required threshold. This is confirmed by Ludwig examples, where the phrase often appears in questions or statements of skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really enough" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to question or emphasize the sufficiency of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it deliberately, avoiding overuse as a filler. Consider alternatives like "truly sufficient" or "actually adequate" to suit the specific tone and formality of your writing. When writing, keep in mind that the goal is to effectively convey your skepticism and uncertainty about whether something truly meets the necessary requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly sufficient

Emphasizes the genuine adequacy of something, slightly more formal.

actually adequate

Highlights the reality of something being sufficient, offering a direct assessment.

genuinely adequate

Similar to "truly sufficient", it reinforces the authenticity of the sufficiency.

quite sufficient

Suggests a level of sufficiency that is satisfactory.

fully adequate

Stresses that something meets all requirements.

ample enough

Indicates that there is more than enough, providing a sense of abundance.

entirely adequate

Highlights that something fulfills the requirements completely, leaving no need for anything else.

perfectly acceptable

Indicates that something is satisfactory and meets the required standards.

completely satisfactory

Emphasizes that something is entirely pleasing and fulfills expectations.

wholly sufficient

Indicates that something is entirely and completely enough.

FAQs

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

You can use "really enough" to question whether something is truly sufficient, such as, "Is this "really enough" to solve the problem?"

What are some alternatives to "really enough"?

Some alternatives to "really enough" include "truly sufficient", "actually adequate", or "quite sufficient", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "really enough" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "really enough" when you want to express doubt or uncertainty about the adequacy of something, often in a reflective or questioning manner.

Is "really enough" considered formal or informal?

"Really enough" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing.