Using enough to combine two clauses (2024)

Enough can be used as an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, enough is used to modify a noun.

• I have bought enough eggs.

As an adverb, enough is used to modify an adjective or another adverb.

• She is old enough to know better.

We can combine two sentences into one using enough + infinitive.

Before combining two clauses using enough, make sure that they are both affirmative or negative.

Compare:

• My grandfather is very fit. He can run four miles at a stretch.

Here both sentences are affirmative.

• My grandfather is fit enough to run four miles at a stretch.

Note that the adverb enough goes after the adjective or adverb it modifies.

• My neighbor is very rich. He can buy whatever he wants.
• My neighbor is rich enough to buy whatever he wants.
• The room was very spacious. It could easily accommodate 50 people.
• The room was spacious enough to easily accommodate 50 people.

We can use enough to join two clauses even if they have different subjects.

Study the examples given below.

• The orator spoke very loudly. I could hear him.
• The orator spoke loudly enough for me to hear him. (Note the use of the structure for me.)
• There is plenty of time. We can play one more game.
• There is enough of time for us to play one more game.
• The mangoes are ripe. You can eat them.
• The mangoes are ripe enough for you to eat.
• The oranges are cheap enough. You can buy them.
• The oranges are cheap enough for you to buy.