English Grammar: Enough Structure

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“Enough” is a versatile word that can function as an adjective, adverb, or pronoun. It is used to express the idea of sufficiency or adequacy. Let’s dive deeper into the different forms and uses of “enough.”

Using “Enough” as an Adjective

We have enough food for the party.

When “enough” is used as an adjective, it modifies a noun to indicate that there is a sufficient or adequate amount of something. The structure is: “enough” + noun.

Example 1: We have enough food for the party.

Example 2: She has enough money to buy the dress.

Common Mistake: Placing “enough” before the adjective. Instead, it should come after the noun.

Incorrect: He is enough tall to ride the roller coaster.
Correct: He is tall enough to ride the roller coaster.

Using “Enough” as an Adverb

As an adverb, “enough” modifies adjectives or other adverbs to show that something is or sufficient. The structure is: adjective/adverb + “enough.”

Example 1: The soup is hot enough to eat.

Example 2: She runs fast enough to win the race.

Common Mistake: Placing “enough” before the adjective or adverb. Instead, it should come after.

Incorrect: The room is enough spacious for the meeting.
Correct: The room is spacious enough for the meeting.

Using “Enough” as a Pronoun

When used as a pronoun, “enough” replaces a noun to indicate a sufficient quantity or number. The structure is: “enough” + “of” + determiner + noun.

Example 1: We have enough of those books in the library.

Example 2: There are enough of us to start the game.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to use “of” after “enough.”

Incorrect: He ate enough the cake.
Correct: He ate enough of the cake.

“Enough” in Negative Sentences

In negative sentences, “enough” is used to express insufficiency or inadequacy.

Example 1: We don’t have enough time to finish the project.

Example 2: She isn’t strong enough to lift the box.

“Enough” in Questions

When asking questions, “enough” is used to inquire about sufficiency or adequacy.

Example 1: Do we have enough chairs for everyone?

Example 2: Is the coffee hot enough for you?

“Enough” in Conditional Sentences

If we have enough players, we can start the game.

“Enough” can also be used in conditional sentences to express the idea of sufficiency.

Example 1: If we have enough players, we can start the game.

Example 2: She will buy the car if she saves enough money.

“Enough” with Infinitives

“Enough” can be used with infinitives to express the idea of adequacy for a specific action. The structure is: “enough” + “for” + subject + “to” + verb.

Example 1: There is enough room for us to dance.

Example 2: She has enough experience to apply for the job.

“Enough” with Gerunds

“Enough” can also be used with gerunds (verbs ending in -ing) to express the idea of sufficiency for a specific activity. The structure is: “enough” + gerund.

Example 1: She has been studying enough to pass the exam.

Example 2: They have been practicing enough to perform well.

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