How to spell "just barely enough" - together or separately

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

In some sources, this construction is called a combination of a preposition and a noun that acts as an adverb. How it is spelled “just barely enough,” together or separately, is determined by the rule, according to which the separate spelling is dictated by a noun that has retained its case form (accusative case). But there is another point of view on this matter.

As an adverb

There is a spelling rule that says how it is written "just barely", together or separately, according to which the preposition is written separately from a derivative noun that has retained the case form (to match, conscientiously). But there is also a second rule that will help you determine the correct spelling. The adverb must be written separately, provided that the preposition ends in a consonant (or consists of it, as in this example), and the noun in the construction begins with a vowel (in turn, barely enough, point-blank, alone, in revenge).

It even works with obsolete words that are not used in modern speech or writing.

Interesting! I will come - as it is spelled correctly

As a noun

In the Russian language there is a quite often used term "sawed-off", which means a hunting rifle with cut trunks. Lovers of detective novels and hunters know him very well. Here, the rule of separate spelling of the word is applied to check. You can use the technique by inserting an adjective or question between the preposition and the noun:

• It didn't take long to insert (where? Into what?) Cartridges from the rear.
• In the (dangerous) sawn-off shotgun they inserted converted cartridges.

There is also a term from the printing industry, where the edging means the edges of books or albums, cut off on a special machine.

Interesting! Impossible - as it is written, together or separately

Stable phrase

The easiest way to learn how to write "just barely", together or separately: remember it as a stable phrase, since some linguists classify it in this category. The reason for this opinion is etymology. Presumably, the term comes from any craft business where cutting of materials was used - fabric, leather, wood, upholstery. Speaking "just barely enough", the artisan meant a small amount of the source for cutting, after which there was practically no waste (scraps).

In the modern lexicon, this specific meaning has been lost. But the stable phrase is still used to define a meager amount, limited opportunities, a short time, which still allows you to be in time, but with little effort.

Having considered the examples, you can be sure of the validity of this statement and remember the spelling, as in other cases, when talking about idioms, phraseological units and stable phrases, which can be replaced with a simpler synonym:

• She had little money (little), and gifts had to be bought for everyone.
• I'm running out of time (not enough), so don't talk too much.
• It is so humiliating to constantly live just barely enough (not enough), as if on a cold night you pull the edge of the blanket first on your shoulder, then on your feet.
• There is just a shortage of material (end-to-end), I don't know if it will be possible to tailor a skirt or if you need to substitute something under the belt.
• She invited guests, and the food on the table was barely enough (a little). Whoever is late will remain hungry.

Interesting! "About" - how to spell it correctly: together or separately

The only correct answer to the question about the spelling of the structure is separately. Any examiner will consider a continuous spelling as a gross mistake, without delving into the considerations for which the examiner wrote a preposition and a noun in one word. The main thing is not the method of obtaining the word, but the spelling in accordance with the spelling norms of the Russian language. And he, as you know, is functional and beautiful, but difficult to learn.