How to use 'Enough' in English grammar?

Do you know how to use the word enough? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how enough is used.

• He’s not tall enough to reach the shelf.

• We aren't studying hard enough to pass the exam.

• I don't exercise enough.

• Is there enough food for the party?

• We've seen enough of that movie.

Grammar explanation - Using 'enough'

Enough means 'as much as necessary.' It can be used with an adjective, an adverb, a verb, or a noun. It can also act as a pronoun.

1. With adjectives and adverbs

Enough comes after adjectives and adverbs.

• I'm not experienced enough to lead the project.

• Your presentation was clear enough to impress the audience.

• I couldn't drive fast enough to catch the train.

• I've traveled frequently enough to know how to navigate airports.

2. With verbs

Enough comes after verbs.

• I ensure I eat enough vegetables every day.

• I don't practice enough, but I plan to start playing more often.

3. With nouns

• Enough comes before nouns.

There isn't enough cheese for the pizza. Do you have enough time to finish the assignment?

4. As a pronoun

• Enough can also be used without a noun.

I'll buy more apples. There aren't enough. A: Would you like another slice of cake? B: No, I've had enough, thanks.

We know what the noun is because of the context.

5. With an adjective and a noun

When enough is used with an adjective and a noun, two positions are possible, but the meaning changes.

• We haven't got large enough boxes.

• We haven't got enough large boxes.

When enough is after the adjective (large enough boxes), it describes the adjective – the boxes are too small. When enough is before the adjective (enough large boxes), it describes the noun phrase – we have some large boxes, but we need more.

6. Enough of

We normally only use enough of when it is followed by a determiner or a pronoun (a/an/the, this/that, my/your/his, you/them, etc.).

• There isn't enough of that pasta to serve everyone.

• I've had enough of her excuses to know she won't change.

• There's enough of us to make a real impact.

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