workable enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "workable enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is sufficiently functional or practical for a specific purpose, though it may not be perfect. Example: "The proposed solution is workable enough to implement in the short term while we explore more permanent options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But having them grouped by year is workable enough.

The New York Times - Tech

So Mr. Obama faces the same challenge as Mr. Reagan: Winning the argument that his version of missile defense is workable — or at least workable enough to be a potent political weapon.

The New York Times

They simply tilt their head back and gobble, which doubles as a workable enough metaphor for me to end on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The pros were Marc and Ben — we decided they were learners and adapters and would realize the model wasn't workable fast enough to fix it — and an industry that was ripe for reinvention".

The New Yorker

The letter said Dr. Berwick has "succeeded in making the ACO regulations workable and attractive enough to garner an initial volume of voluntary participation to get this idea off to a good start".

The New York Times

Until now, the Islamic Republic has had a propaganda heyday among devout Arabs, depicting itself as a virtuous state with a workable level of democracy — just enough to give the regime legitimacy and stability.

The New York Times

As erosion extends the oxidized, or weathered, zone deeper, the primary (unaltered) zone is enriched by the metal from the oxidized supergene sulfides; in this way the primary ore may be enriched as much as tenfold: rich ores are made even richer, lean ores are made more valuable, and some ores too lean to be economic are upgraded enough to be workable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Syriza has done well enough to form a workable coalition, thereby avoiding the need for another election and removing one of the hurdles before Greece has the first review of its bailout some time before the end of the year.

The Guardian

They have enough seats for a workable coalition - but would have to reconcile very different views on austerity.

BBC

These assumptions are understandable, as devices to simplify the models enough to make them workable.

Huffington Post

While some may feel the forecast for Copenhagen is not strong enough, we do have a workable base on which to build.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "workable enough", ensure the context clearly defines what criteria are being met. For example, "The budget is workable enough to fund the initial phase of the project."

Common error

Avoid using "workable enough" when describing solutions that are genuinely excellent or optimal. This phrase implies a compromise or a minimum level of acceptance rather than high quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "workable enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something meets a basic requirement for being functional or practical. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples showing the phrase describing solutions, plans, or conditions that are not optimal but can still be applied.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "workable enough" is grammatically correct and used to describe something that meets the minimum requirements to be functional or practical, although it may not be ideal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to denote adequacy rather than excellence. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Keep in mind it's better to choose alternative phrases like "sufficiently practical" or "adequately functional" when a solution is more than just "workable enough".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently practical

Focuses more on the practicality aspect, implying adequacy for a specific purpose.

adequately functional

Emphasizes the functional aspect, suggesting the subject meets the minimum requirements to operate.

reasonably feasible

Highlights the possibility of being carried out without extreme difficulty.

acceptably efficient

Prioritizes efficiency as the key measure of workability, implying it performs well within constraints.

tolerably effective

Implies a level of effectiveness that, while not ideal, is still within acceptable limits.

serviceably operational

Highlights the condition of being in working order to provide a service.

passably manageable

Focuses on ease of management, suggesting the subject is controllable without excessive effort.

just about viable

Emphasizes the narrow margin by which something is capable of succeeding.

barely achievable

Highlights the difficulty in achieving something, suggesting it's only just possible.

minimally applicable

Implies limited use or relevance, suggesting it can be applied in only a few situations.

FAQs

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

Use "workable enough" to describe something that is functional but perhaps not ideal. For example, "The temporary solution is "workable enough" until a permanent fix is available."

What are some alternatives to "workable enough"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "workable enough" include "sufficiently practical", "adequately functional", or "reasonably feasible".

Is there a difference between "workable" and "workable enough"?

"Workable" suggests that something can function, whereas ""workable enough"" implies it meets a minimum threshold of functionality but may not be the best option.

When is it appropriate to use "workable enough" instead of "ideal"?

Use ""workable enough"" when a solution or plan is not perfect but can still be implemented and achieve the desired outcome. Avoid using it if a truly ideal solution is available.