Enough: quantity, degree and word order

The idea

Put enough before a noun: enough plates; enough flour. Put it after an adjective or adverb: long enough; loudly enough. Add for + noun phrase or to + base verb: for the guests; to wrap the box.

Examples

• There are enough plates for all the guests.
• The ribbon is long enough to wrap the box.
• We don't have enough flour for two loaves.
• Can you speak loudly enough for the back row?
• This bag isn't strong enough to carry the books.
• You have packed enough; leave some space.

Watch out

Very means a high degree; enough means sufficient for a purpose. Their positions differ: very strong but strong enough. Use a negative to show insufficiency: isn't strong enough. When the quantity is understood, enough can stand without a noun.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. There are ___ for all the guests. (enough plates / plates enough)

   Show answer or example answer

   enough plates

   enough plates is the normal order because plates is a noun; the amount is sufficient for the guests.

2. Choose the correct option. The ribbon is ___. (long enough / enough long)

   Show answer or example answer

   long enough

   long enough puts enough after the adjective long. It describes sufficient length.

3. Choose the correct option. The ribbon is long enough ___ wrap the box. (to / for)

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   to

   to introduces the base verb wrap and states the purpose for which the length is sufficient.

Use it today

Plan packing for a small gathering. Check whether you have enough plates and food, whether a bag is strong enough and whether there is enough space. Explain one purpose with to.