would that be enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"Would that be enough?" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a way to ask if something being offered or proposed would be sufficient. For example, "I can only afford to pay you $50 - would that be enough?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

420 for Scotland – would that be enough?

The Guardian - Sport

A lowering of the threshold for a high tackle is one sensible measure but would that be enough?

The Guardian - Sport

One! How would that be enough for so many people?" While the municipality has increased local transport over the past year, the last buses leave at 10pm and many of the families living in Kayaşehir cannot afford cars.

The Guardian

For those who point out that Dunn will probably spend time in prison for three counts of attempted murder, I ask: If Jordan Davis were your son, would that be enough?

The Washington Post

A recent Oxfam report generated welcome headlines but If we took the wealth of the world's richest and used it to double, treble or even quadruple the incomes of the world's poorest three billion people would that be enough?

The Guardian

It is entirely possible that a bus line could be in place by the time groundbreaking would start in 2019, but would that be enough?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The concept was that if we provided low- or no-interest loans to municipalities to build recycling infrastructure whether that be curbside bins or trucks or maybe a municipal recycling facility would that be enough to move the needle on recycling in the United States?

Forbes

Imagine a university that provides faculty with all the training, all the time, and all the incentives faculty needed would that be enough for all biology faculty or even the majority of biology faculty to adopt or build on pedagogical reform?

CBE Life Sciences Education

Wouldn't that be enough for you?

The New Yorker

Would something like that be enough?

Huffington Post

Would that that were enough.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Would that be enough?" to express a genuine inquiry about whether a particular action, amount, or condition will meet a specific need or achieve a desired outcome. It can be used when the speaker is unsure if what is being offered or considered is sufficient.

Common error

Don't assume that "would that be enough?" implies a definitive answer. It often invites further discussion or negotiation to determine what truly constitutes 'enough' in a given situation. Be prepared to elaborate or adjust based on the response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Would that be enough?" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. It is used to question whether a given quantity, action, or condition is sufficient to meet a specific requirement or achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig examples show this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Would that be enough?" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about the sufficiency of something, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to business and even scientific discussions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in assessing adequacy, inviting further discussion, and sometimes expressing doubt. When using the phrase, consider the context and intended level of formality, and be prepared to engage in a discussion about what constitutes 'enough' in the given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Would that be adequate?

Adds a degree of formality by using 'adequate' instead of 'enough'.

Would that suffice?

Replaces "be enough" with a more formal synonym, 'suffice'.

Is that sufficient?

Uses 'sufficient' to convey the idea of adequacy.

Is that adequate?

Employs 'adequate,' a direct synonym for 'enough'.

Will that do?

A more casual way of asking if something is adequate.

Will that measure up?

Suggests a comparison against a required standard.

Would that get the job done?

Focuses on whether something will achieve the desired result.

Is that going to cut it?

A more informal, idiomatic expression for whether something is sufficient.

Is that all it takes?

Emphasizes the simplicity or ease required to achieve a goal.

Is that the magic number?

Implies there's a specific quantity or condition needed for success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "Would that be enough" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "would that suffice?" or "would that be adequate?" These options replace more common words with sophisticated synonyms.

Is "Would that be enough" appropriate for business communication?

Yes, "Would that be enough" is suitable for business communication, particularly when negotiating or assessing resources. However, consider the context; a more direct question like "is that sufficient?" may sometimes be preferable for clarity.

What's the difference between "Would that be enough" and "Is that enough"?

"Would that be enough" implies a degree of uncertainty or speculation about whether something will meet a specific need. "Is that enough?" is more direct, seeking a confirmation or denial of sufficiency. The first one often anticipates the possibility that it might not be enough and is used to start a negotiation.

Can "Would that be enough" be used rhetorically?

Yes, "Would that be enough" can be used rhetorically to express doubt or skepticism about the adequacy of something. In such cases, it doesn't seek a genuine answer but rather underscores a point about perceived inadequacy. For example, if someone caused a serious wrong doing, the question "would that suffice?" is a rhetorical question.