there are insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "there are insufficient" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express that there is not enough of something. For example: "There are insufficient funds to cover the cost of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's clear that there are insufficient data".

The New York Times - Science

There are insufficient numbers coming out of university.

The Guardian

"There are insufficient resources, and that's a natural Republican position".

The New York Times

Private companies are lobbying hard for business and there are insufficient safeguards against corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

If there are insufficient skills in-house, associations must look to buy in those skills.

The Guardian

In fact, if there are insufficient arteries, some capillary roads become de facto arterials.

The New York Times

"At this point there are insufficient facts to begin to formulate any conclusions".

The New York Times

He said: "It is not mathematically impossible but I think there are insufficient games.

Independent

And so far there are insufficient numbers of graduates to force big shifts immediately.

The Economist

When there are insufficient cards for the next coup, all the cards are reshuffled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are insufficient vowels in the English language to describe the damage sportswear has wrought on our national identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define what is insufficient. Providing context helps the reader understand the implications of the insufficiency. For example: "There are insufficient funds to complete the project on time."

Common error

A common mistake is using "there is" instead of "there are" when referring to multiple items. Always use "there are" with plural nouns: "There are insufficient resources", not "There is insufficient resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are insufficient" functions as an existential clause indicating a deficiency or lack. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there are insufficient" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts. Remember to use "there are" with plural nouns and provide context to clarify the insufficiency. By avoiding common errors and understanding its register, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there aren't enough

A more informal way to express that something is not sufficient.

the number is inadequate

Similar to the query but it focuses on an unfulfilled total number

there's a shortage of

Highlights the scarcity or lack of availability of something.

there is a deficit

Focuses on the existence of a shortfall or deficiency.

supplies are inadequate

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the available supplies.

resources are lacking

Specifically highlights the absence of necessary resources.

availability is restricted

Points to a limited or controlled access to something.

funds are limited

Specifically addresses the constraint of financial resources.

capacity is constrained

Indicates a limitation in the ability to handle or accommodate something.

the quantity is low

Highlights a reduced quantity, usually a measurement

FAQs

How do I use "there are insufficient" in a sentence?

Use "there are insufficient" to indicate a lack of something necessary or adequate. For example: "There are insufficient funds available for the project", or "There are insufficient data to draw a conclusion."

What are some alternatives to "there are insufficient"?

Alternatives include phrases like "there aren't enough", "resources are lacking", or "supplies are inadequate", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "there are insufficient" or "there aren't enough"?

"There are insufficient" is more formal and often used in professional or academic writing. "There aren't enough" is less formal and suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.

Can "there are insufficient" be used with both countable and uncountable nouns?

Yes, "there are insufficient" can be used with both countable plural nouns (e.g., "there are insufficient beds") and uncountable nouns (e.g., "there are insufficient data").