Lesson

Enough

Using enough with adjectives and nouns

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What does "Enough" mean?

Enough indicates sufficiency — whether there is as much of something as needed. It can modify nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Placement of "enough" changes its role and meaning.

  • With nouns: enough + noun (We have enough chairs.)
  • With adjectives/adverbs: adjective/adverb + enough (fast enough, experienced enough)
  • Often used with "to + verb" to show capability or result (enough data to decide)

Table

Forms and Placement of "enough"

Use Structure Example
Before a noun (determiner) enough + noun We have enough data for the report.
After an adjective adjective + enough The candidate is experienced enough to lead the team.
After an adverb adverb + enough The software runs quickly enough for testing.
With "to" + infinitive (result/capability) enough + noun + to + verb OR adjective + enough + to + verb They collected enough evidence to close the case.
Negative construction not + adjective/adverb + enough OR not enough + noun The budget is not sufficient; we do not have enough funds.

Tip

Key Rule: Where to place "enough"

Remember these placement rules depending on what "enough" modifies:

  • Before nouns: enough + noun → We have enough time.
  • After adjectives/adverbs: adjective/adverb + enough → quick enough, skilled enough.
  • Use with result: ... enough to + verb → enough data to decide.

If it modifies a noun, put 'enough' before the noun; if it modifies quality (adjective/adverb), put it after the word.

Example

Examples in context

We have enough data to make a decision.

He is not experienced enough to lead the team.

Do you have enough copies for the meeting?

The software runs fast enough for our needs.

Tip

Common Mistakes

Watch out for these typical errors learners make with 'enough':

  • Putting 'enough' after a noun (wrong for nouns): 'skills enough' → correct: 'enough skills'.
  • Placing 'enough' before an adjective: 'enough experienced' → correct: 'experienced enough'.
  • Confusing 'enough' with 'too' (opposite meaning): 'too expensive' ≠ 'enough expensive'.
  • Using 'enough' with determiners incorrectly: avoid 'the enough time' — say 'enough time' or 'the right amount of time'.

Think about what 'enough' modifies: noun (before) or adjective/adverb (after).

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about where 'enough' should appear with a noun.

Quiz

Complete: The candidate is _____ to manage client accounts.

Hint: Is the blank describing a quality of the candidate?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Remember: 'enough' + noun before 'to + verb' when showing result.

Key Points

Vocabulary

enough

determiner/adverb CEFR A2 //ɪˈnʌf//

to the required degree; sufficient

We have enough resources to finish the project.

Vocabulary

sufficient

adjective CEFR B1 //səˈfɪʃənt//

enough; adequate for a purpose

We do not have sufficient evidence to decide yet.

Expression

experienced enough

adjective phrase CEFR B2 //ɪkˈspɪəriənst ɪˈnʌf//

having adequate experience for a task or role

The applicant is experienced enough to manage international clients.

Expression

fast enough

adverb phrase CEFR B1 //fæst ɪˈnʌf//

quick enough in speed to meet a requirement

The network is fast enough to support video calls.

Expression

enough time

noun phrase CEFR A2 //ɪˈnʌf taɪm//

an adequate amount of time

Do we have enough time to review the proposal?

Vocabulary

too

adverb CEFR A2 //tuː//

to a higher degree than is desirable; more than enough

The product is too expensive for our budget.