suffices

USAGE SUMMARY

"suffices" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to be enough or to satisfy a need or requirement. For example, "This one warm coat suffices for the cold winter days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In America a request in the public interest suffices.

The Economist

The list is long but it suffices to mention that the British, American, Russian and French Governments as well as the European Commission, have been crystal clear in their support for the actions of Republic of Cyprus.

The Economist

The Supreme Court, however, held that the "threat" of criminal prosecution for dubious campaign literature "suffices to create an...injury under the circumstances of this case".The dispute arose in 2010 when an Ohio congressman rankled at this billboard: "Shame on Steve Driehaus!

The Economist

Can't call can call, a famished moan maybe yet it suffices...can't cry can cry, can cry, can cry wet pillows full but who cares…can't laugh can laugh, can can canAt birth, at the County Hospital at Mullingar in Ireland, he had been deprived of oxygen for two hours.

The Economist

That suffices to extend his rule until 2020.

The Economist

For the most part this suffices, but a report in June by CEOP, the government's child-exploitation taskforce, pointed out a loophole that remains for those under 18 who have been trafficked for non-sexual exploitation.

The Economist

Its radiation is easily blocked (a piece of paper suffices), so it has little scope for causing harm.

The Economist

However, Mr Montgomery says it suffices to build the sort of community Microsoft wants, while retaining its ability to make a profit.

The Economist

Nor does it include a power supply (an old mobile-phone charger usually suffices).

The Economist

This suffices to create the "infinite" lens.

The Economist

Calm equidistance no longer suffices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suffices" when you want to express that something is adequate for a specific purpose or need, especially in formal or technical contexts. For example, "A brief explanation suffices for understanding the basic concept."

Common error

Avoid using "suffices" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "is enough" or "works" would be more appropriate. Overuse in informal settings can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suffices" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'suffice'. It indicates that something is adequate or meets a requirement. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often connects a condition or action with a satisfactory outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suffices" is a versatile verb indicating that something is adequate or meets a particular requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. Alternative phrases include "is enough" and "is sufficient", but "suffices" often carries a more precise or technical connotation. While generally appropriate for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal conversation to avoid sounding stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficient

Very similar in meaning, but "sufficient" is an adjective, while "suffices" is a verb. Using "is sufficient" often requires a change in sentence structure.

is enough

A more general term indicating a quantity or degree that meets a requirement, while "suffices" can imply a more formal or technical context.

meets the requirements

A more explicit and formal way of saying that something is enough for a specific purpose.

serves the purpose

Highlights the function or intention being fulfilled, whereas "suffices" is a more general statement of adequacy.

is adequate

Focuses on the level of quality or acceptability, whereas "suffices" focuses on meeting a specific need.

proves adequate

Focuses on the demonstration of something meeting requirements, while "suffices" simply states it.

is satisfactory

Indicates that something meets expectations or requirements, similar to "suffices" but with a focus on satisfaction.

is ample

Implies more than enough, while "suffices" suggests just enough.

fills the bill

An idiomatic expression indicating suitability, less formal than "suffices".

does the trick

An informal way of saying that something achieves the desired result, whereas "suffices" is more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "suffices" in a sentence?

Use "suffices" to indicate that something is adequate or enough for a particular purpose. For example, "A simple apology "suffices" to resolve the misunderstanding."

What is an alternative to using "suffices"?

You can use phrases like "is enough", "is sufficient", or "meets the requirements" depending on the context.

Is "suffices" formal or informal?

"Suffices" is generally considered a more formal term. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "is enough" are often preferred.

What's the difference between "suffices" and "is sufficient"?

"Suffices" is a verb, while "sufficient" is an adjective. While they have similar meanings, "is sufficient" requires a slightly different sentence structure compared to using "suffices".