Enough Already! How to use “enough” as an adverb or adjective

Enough means “the necessary amount.” It can be used as an adjective and it can also be used as an adverb. Let’s look at the difference.

• I’m late! I don’t have enough time to get where I’m going.
• I’m frustrated! I don’t have enough vocabulary in English to express myself clearly!

Oh, no! I don’t have enough money to pay for lunch!

Used as an adverb, it comes after the adjective, adverb, or verb that it modifies.

• I don’t want to finish this movie. It’s not exciting enough.
• She doesn’t want to marry him. He’s not intelligent enough.
• I don’t like taking the bus. It doesn’t move quickly enough.
• Your English isn’t improving because you don’t practice enough.
• Your heart is unhealthy. You don’t exercise enough.

I can’t understand him. He doesn’t speak slowly enough.

Used as an adjective, enough comes in front of the noun it modifies.

The above examples are all complaints. They say what isn’t good. Enough can also be used when we aren’t complaining. The same rules apply.

For example:

• • • • I’m satisfied. I have enough money.
      • I can open this jar. I’m strong enough.
      • I can understand you. You speak clearly enough.
      • I am happy with my work schedule. I work enough.

Yes, it’s a little messy, but my desk is organized enough! I can always find what I am looking for.

I hope this helps and that I have explained clearly enough and given enough examples for you to be able to use the word “enough” with confidence!