Is this adequate?

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is this adequate?" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking if something meets the required standards or expectations. Example: "After reviewing the report, I asked, 'Is this adequate for submission?'" Alternative expressions include "Is this sufficient?" and "Is this acceptable?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Is this adequate to today, before the new universal surveillance comes on stream?

The Guardian - Opinion

Is this adequate disclosure?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is this an adequate acknowledgment?

The New York Times

Is this an adequate definition of torture?

SEP

Is this now an adequate definition of torture?

SEP

Is this methodology currently considered adequate by the Chinese government?

Harvard University

Is this class of models adequate for your purposes?

Duke University

Is that adequate?

The Guardian

Is that adequate experience to be Commander-in-Chief, President of the United States?

The New Yorker

Is it adequate?

Columbia University

"Is it adequate to address the problem?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Is this adequate?", clearly define the criteria or standard against which adequacy is being judged to avoid ambiguity. For example: "Is this budget adequate to cover all project expenses?"

Common error

Avoid using "Is this adequate?" without specifying what "this" refers to. Always provide context to ensure the question is clear and the response can be appropriately targeted. For instance, instead of saying "Is this adequate?", specify: "Is this explanation adequate for the client?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Is this adequate?" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically a question. It seeks confirmation or assessment regarding whether something meets a certain standard or requirement. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Is this adequate?" is a grammatically correct and frequently used question across diverse contexts. As per Ludwig, it serves to solicit an evaluation regarding whether something meets a certain standard or requirement. While versatile, ensure the context is clear and the criteria for adequacy are well-defined. Alternatives like "Is this sufficient?" or "Does this suffice?" can be used based on the desired formality and emphasis. The question is very common in News & Media, Academia and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is this sufficient?

Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient", focusing on whether something meets a minimum requirement.

Is this enough?

Simplifies the question to its most basic form, asking if something meets the need.

Is this acceptable?

Focuses on whether something meets the required standards or expectations for approval.

Does this suffice?

Uses a more formal verb, "suffice", to inquire if something is enough.

Is this up to par?

Emphasizes whether something meets a specific standard or level of quality.

Is this satisfactory?

Focuses on whether something meets the required level of satisfaction or fulfillment.

Is this meeting expectations?

Shifts the focus to whether something is fulfilling anticipated requirements.

Is this fulfilling the need?

Highlights whether something is effectively addressing a specific requirement or demand.

Is this measuring up?

Focuses on whether something is achieving a comparable level of quality or performance.

Is this hitting the mark?

Uses an idiomatic expression to ask if something is accurate or successful.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "Is this adequate?" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "Does this suffice?", "Is this sufficient?", or "Is this meeting the required standards?" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "Is this adequate?" and "Is this sufficient?"

While similar, "adequate" implies meeting a satisfactory level, whereas "sufficient" suggests meeting a minimum requirement. So, something can be "sufficient" but not fully "adequate".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "Is this adequate?"?

The phrase "Is this adequate?" is suitable in various contexts where you need to assess whether something meets the necessary requirements, standards, or expectations. It can be used in professional, academic, or everyday settings.

What are some common synonyms for "adequate" that I can use?

Common synonyms for "adequate" include "sufficient", "acceptable", "satisfactory", "enough", and "suitable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.