could be not enough vs could not be enough

The phrases 'could be not enough' and 'could not be enough' are not comparable as they have different structures and meanings. 'Could not be enough' is the correct phrase to use when expressing that something may not be sufficient, while 'could be not enough' is not a standard English construction.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 2440 views

This phrase is not correct in English. The correct form is 'could not be enough.'

"could be not enough "

The correct phrase 'could not be enough' is used to convey that something may not be sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's hereditary, but it could also be not enough calcium in his diet.
At that time the criteria could not be tough enough, and were aimed very high.
The much publicised and promised common framework for noise classification of aircraft could not be here soon enough, Commissioner, especially given the Russian situation.
It could be you're not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet or just malabsorption.
The proposed solution to the above problem of labelling could not be enough, on its own, to deal with this problem.
Furthermore, since financial corrections would intervene only after the fact, they could not be enough on their own to make good all the consequences of any transactions that might be implemented even though they did not meet the necessary regulatory requirements.
However, the report claims that it must have been clear to the Regulator, as an actuarial expert, that it could not possibly be enough to cover terminal bonuses.
Moreover, in the Council's opinion, this serious and sudden deterioration of the economic and social situation could not be reflected quickly enough in the officials' remunerations through the application of the method.
Not enough time, not enough bronze, not enough men.
Not enough for lab equipment or a proper staff.
A reference on accompanying documents is not enough.
Legislative amendments without changes in practice are not enough.
Intellectual arguments and political will to stabilise employment were not enough.
Structural measures are not enough to combat poverty.
Equally clearly, these alone are not enough.
Ordinary data processing is not enough.
Not enough to cause memory loss.
Not enough people take time to think.
Scientific and technical progress alone are not enough to prevent this destruction.
Which I now know, was not enough.

Alternatives:

might not be enough
may not be sufficient
could fall short

This phrase is correct in English and is commonly used to express that something may not be sufficient or adequate.

"could not be enough "

'Could not be enough' is used to indicate that a certain amount or level may fall short of what is required or expected.

Show examples from the web [+]

The proposed solution to the above problem of labelling could not be enough, on its own, to deal with this problem.
Furthermore, since financial corrections would intervene only after the fact, they could not be enough on their own to make good all the consequences of any transactions that might be implemented even though they did not meet the necessary regulatory requirements.
At that time the criteria could not be tough enough, and were aimed very high.
However, the report claims that it must have been clear to the Regulator, as an actuarial expert, that it could not possibly be enough to cover terminal bonuses.
The much publicised and promised common framework for noise classification of aircraft could not be here soon enough, Commissioner, especially given the Russian situation.
It's hereditary, but it could also be not enough calcium in his diet.
Moreover, in the Council's opinion, this serious and sudden deterioration of the economic and social situation could not be reflected quickly enough in the officials' remunerations through the application of the method.
EU production is manifestly not enough and can never be enough to meet such levels of demand.
These binding horizontal rules seem to us to be enough.
Yet that may not be enough.
Its something may not be enough for us.
Of course, I am not naïve enough to think that one decent resolution passed in the European Parliament will be enough to guarantee this.
If two of us lay down enough cover fire, it should be enough for the other one to get out.
That should be enough fuel to get us out.
Should be enough to turn them into a bloody shark smoothie.
Your blessing will be enough for me.
That cannot possibly be enough to convict him.
Ten minutes may be enough time for you.
I fear that will not be enough.
Should be enough to remind you that France is our enemy.

Alternatives:

might not be enough
may not be sufficient
could fall short

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could be not enough vs could not be enough