Enough — Word Order and Usage with Nouns and Adjectives — English Grammar Exercises
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Enough: Mastering Position and Word Order
The word enough is unusual in English because its grammatical position changes depending on what it modifies. As a determiner before a noun it precedes the noun; as an adverb after an adjective it follows the adjective. Learner data shows that reversed word order ('enough big', 'enough old') and unwanted insertion of 'of' ('enough of money') are the two dominant error types with this word at B1–B2.
Enough Before a Noun
As a determiner, 'enough' comes directly before the noun. Do not insert 'of' unless a determiner (the, my, these…) follows:
Have we got enough chairs? ✓
I don't have enough money to buy it. ✓
✗ I don't have enough of money. → ✓ I don't have enough money.
✓ I spent enough of the budget. (determiner follows 'of' — correct)
Enough After an Adjective
As an adverb modifying an adjective, 'enough' always comes after the adjective:
She isn't old enough to drive. ✓
This essay isn't long enough. ✓
✗ Is the room enough big? → ✓ Is the room big enough?
Too vs Not Enough: Two Ways to Say the Same Thing
He's too young to vote. = He isn't old enough to vote.
Common Mistakes
✗ I don't have enough of money. → ✓ I don't have enough money.
✗ She is enough old to decide. → ✓ She is old enough to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'much' and 'many'?
'Much' is used with uncountable nouns (nouns you cannot count individually): much time, much money, much water. 'Many' is used with countable nouns (nouns that have a plural form): many people, many books, many mistakes. In positive sentences, both are often replaced by 'a lot of', which works with both noun types: 'She has a lot of experience' (uncountable), 'There are a lot of students' (countable). 'Much' and 'many' are more natural in negatives and questions: 'We don't have much time', 'How many chairs do you need?'
What is the difference between 'a few' and 'few', and 'a little' and 'little'?
The article 'a' completely changes the meaning. 'A few' and 'a little' are positive — they mean 'some': 'I have a few friends here' (I'm not lonely). 'Few' and 'little' without 'a' are negative — they mean 'almost none': 'I have few friends here' (I'm lonely). The same contrast applies to uncountable nouns: 'There's a little milk left' (enough for coffee) vs 'There's little chance of success' (hardly any). Use 'a few / few' with countable nouns and 'a little / little' with uncountable nouns.
How do 'too much', 'too many', 'too few', and 'too little' differ?
'Too much' pairs with uncountable nouns to express excess: 'too much noise', 'too much salt'. 'Too many' pairs with countable nouns for the same meaning: 'too many cars', 'too many mistakes'. Both mean 'more than is wanted or needed'. On the other side, 'too little' expresses an insufficient amount of an uncountable noun: 'too little sleep', and 'too few' expresses an insufficient number of a countable noun: 'too few chairs'. A critical error to avoid: never use 'too much' before an adjective — say 'too expensive', not 'too much expensive'.
How do you use 'enough' correctly?
'Enough' has two positions depending on what it modifies. Before a noun (determiner use), it comes before the noun and needs no 'of': 'enough food', 'enough chairs', 'enough money' — never 'enough of money'. After an adjective, it follows the adjective: 'old enough', 'big enough', 'hot enough' — never 'enough old'. To convert between the two structures: 'The soup is too cold' = 'The soup isn't hot enough'. 'He's too young to vote' = 'He isn't old enough to vote'. 'Plenty of' is a positive alternative to 'enough', meaning 'more than enough': 'There's plenty of time — don't rush.'