In English grammar, the word "enough" is a versatile term that can be used in different positions depending on the context. Let me help clarify the placement of "enough" in sentences, highlighting its usage after adjectives and adverbs, before nouns, and in conjunction with definite and indefinite articles.
Enough comes after adjectives and adverbs
When "enough" is used to indicate sufficiency or adequacy, it typically follows adjectives or adverbs. This structure signals that something meets or does not meet a necessary or desired standard.
For example:
- It wasn't good enough. ('Good' is an adjective that "enough" qualifies, suggesting that the quality was insufficient.)
- I didn't do well enough. ('Well' is an adverb, and again, "enough" indicates that the performance did not reach a satisfactory level.)
Enough comes before nouns
To express the quantity or amount required, "enough" precedes nouns in a sentence. This usage helps express that there is a sufficient or insufficient quantity of something.
For example:
- I didn't have enough money. ("enough" comes before the noun "money" to show that the amount was inadequate.)
It’s important to note that in this position, "enough" functions as a determiner, much like "some" or "many."
We use enough of before the and this, that, these, those.
When referring to specific or general things, "enough" is used in conjunction with the definite article "the" or the demonstrative pronouns "this," "that," "these," or "those". "Enough of" is used before definite articles and demonstratives to refer to a specific or previously mentioned thing.
Examples include:
- Are there enough of the copies I made for everybody?
- I've had enough of this rubbish.
This construction implies that we're dealing with a particular or known set of objects or situations.
Moreover, "enough of" can also precede object personal pronouns, as seen in:
- Were enough of them there last night?
This form is less common but perfectly acceptable when referring to a group of people or things.
We also use enough of before object personal pronouns:
In some cases, "enough" can also be used before object personal pronouns. For instance:
- Were enough of them there last night?
Enough can be used before an infinitive:
"Enough" can be used before an infinitive to express adequacy or insufficiency, providing additional clarity about whether something meets the necessary criteria for action.
For example:
- They don't have enough to eat.
In this sentence, "enough" shows that the resources (food) are insufficient for the verb action (eating) to take place as needed.
Alternative placement
Lastly, sometimes people put enough after a noun for emphasis or stylistic effect. However, this usage is considered archaic and formal, and it is not commonly employed in modern English.
For instance, someone might say, We have food enough for the journey, but this usage is uncommon in contemporary speech and writing.