would not be enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not be enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a certain quantity, amount, or quality is insufficient for a particular purpose or need. Example: "Even with all the resources we have, it would not be enough to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But simply winning would not be enough.

The Economist

One title would not be enough.

The New York Times - Sports

One would not be enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Education in welding would not be enough.

Cornell University

But no, it would not be enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Closing alone would not be enough.

The New York Times

Just baking sourdough would not be enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that would not be enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Even 300 would not be enough.

The Guardian - Business

But tacos alone would not be enough.

The New York Times

"€50m would not be enough, that is not the price.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to replace 'be' for added impact, such as 'prove insufficient' or 'fall short'.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where it's unclear what the subject lacks or what the required standard is. For instance, instead of saying 'It would not be enough', specify 'The budget would not be enough to cover all expenses'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not be enough" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a lack of sufficiency or adequacy. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Examples show it expressing that something is insufficient to meet a requirement or achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would not be enough" is a versatile phrase used to express insufficiency or inadequacy across numerous contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. To enhance clarity, specify what is lacking and consider stronger verbs for added impact. Avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain a clear message. Alternatives like ""would be insufficient"" or ""would fall short"" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase serves to highlight limitations and prompt further consideration, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would not be sufficient

A more formal synonym, replacing 'enough' with 'sufficient'.

would not suffice

Substitutes 'enough' with 'suffice', providing a slightly more formal and direct alternative.

would fall short

Uses a more concise and idiomatic expression to convey the idea of not meeting a required standard or quantity.

would be inadequate

Replaces "enough" with "inadequate", focusing on the lack of necessary qualities or quantity.

would prove insufficient

Replaces 'enough' with 'insufficient' and 'be' with 'prove', emphasizing a formal assessment of inadequacy.

would not measure up

Uses an idiomatic expression implying failure to reach a required standard or level.

would be deficient

Focuses on the concept of lacking a necessary component or quality.

would fail to meet the need

More explicitly states that the requirement or expectation is not satisfied.

would lack what is needed

Highlights the absence of essential elements or resources.

would be wanting

Employs a less common, slightly archaic phrasing to indicate a lack or deficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "would not be enough" in a sentence?

You can use "would not be enough" to express that something is insufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "Even a million dollars "would not be enough" to cover the damages".

What can I say instead of "would not be enough"?

Alternatives include "would not suffice", "would be insufficient", or "would fall short", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever correct to say "wouldn't be enough"?

Yes, "wouldn't be enough" is simply the contracted form of "would not be enough" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "would not be enough" and "is not enough"?

"Would not be enough" implies a hypothetical or future scenario, while "is not enough" indicates a present state. For example, "If we work all night, it "would not be enough" to finish" (hypothetical), versus "This single donation "is not enough" to solve the problem" (present state).