would suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

'would suffice' is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that something is enough to meet a certain requirement or expectation. For example: "A single slice of pizza would suffice for lunch, I'm not very hungry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Normally, that would suffice.

The New York Times

Commas would suffice.

The Guardian

A respectable showing would suffice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only a touchdown would suffice.

The New York Times - Sports

One quick flutter would suffice.

The New Yorker

Maybe painted cardboard would suffice.

The New York Times

At this stage, a scrap would suffice.

The New Yorker

A free-kick would suffice.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, "summer of insanity" would suffice.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, English, German or French would suffice.

The New York Times

Nickelodeon figured about 65 performances would suffice.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would suffice", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific requirement or expectation is being met. For instance, "A brief explanation would suffice to clarify the issue."

Common error

Avoid using "would suffice" when a stronger term like "is essential" or "is required" is more appropriate. "Would suffice" suggests adequacy, not indispensability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would suffice" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating that something is adequate or enough to meet a particular requirement or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would suffice" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates adequacy or sufficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and professional writing. While alternatives like "would be enough" or "would be sufficient" can be used for variety, "would suffice" maintains a level of formality suitable for many situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is considered adequate, and avoid overstating its necessity when a stronger term is more appropriate. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "would suffice" remains a reliable choice for expressing adequacy in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be adequate

Replaces "suffice" with "be adequate", emphasizing a satisfactory level but potentially less formal.

would be sufficient

Uses "sufficient" instead of "suffice", providing a more formal and direct synonym.

would be acceptable

Emphasizes the aspect of being permissible or satisfactory to a given authority or standard.

would be enough

Simplifies the phrase to "be enough", making it more accessible and less formal.

would serve the purpose

Highlights the fulfillment of an intended function, adding a sense of intentionality.

would meet the needs

Focuses on satisfying requirements, adding a practical and explicit nuance.

would answer the purpose

Similar to 'serve the purpose', but with a slight nuance of directly addressing a specific need or question.

would do the trick

Introduces an idiomatic expression suggesting a simple solution, less formal.

would fill the bill

Offers another idiomatic alternative, implying suitability for a specific purpose.

would pass muster

Implies meeting a certain standard or approval, adding a qualitative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "would suffice" in a sentence?

"Would suffice" indicates that something is adequate or enough to meet a particular need or requirement. For example, "A simple apology "would suffice" to resolve the misunderstanding."

What are some alternatives to saying "would suffice"?

You can use phrases like "would be enough", "would be sufficient", or "would be adequate" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "would suffice" formal or informal?

"Would suffice" is generally considered a moderately formal expression, suitable for professional writing and communications. In very informal contexts, "would be enough" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "would suffice" and "is sufficient"?

While both phrases convey adequacy, "would suffice" often implies a conditional or hypothetical situation, whereas "is sufficient" states a more direct or present condition. For instance, "If you apologize, that "would suffice"" versus "An apology is sufficient to resolve the issue."