Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a adequate control
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a adequate control" is not correct in English.
It should be "an adequate control." You can use the corrected phrase when discussing a sufficient or appropriate measure or standard in a specific context, such as research or experiments. Example: "In our study, we implemented an adequate control to ensure the validity of our results."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
A systematic review of published healing research (Crawford et al, 2003) indicates that many studies fail to fulfil important quality criteria, including (a) adequate control, (b) randomisation, (c) baseline comparability, (d) blinding, (e) acceptable loss of data, (f) clear description of intervention, (g) outcome measures, (h) adequate statistical analysis, and (i) reproducibility.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Collins et al 40 reported a meta-analysis of 8 studies that included a dietary component and an adequate control group that was either no intervention, waiting list or usual care.
In several applications it will be important to reach a given state using an adequate control sequence.
However, studies on these topics have lacked an adequate control group or included a small sample size [ 5- 7].
Science
Any one center is unlikely to see enough cases to perform a valid study of risks with an adequate control group.
Therefore, simply comparing TFs regulated via negative feedback with the remainder of genes in the genome is unlikely to yield meaningful insights so that identifying an adequate control population must be a paramount concern.
Science
Although relationship P1 has shown some positive impact on quality of care, the future reform of the accreditation system could consider enhancing the effectiveness for providing quality of care from a system flow perspective, and establish an adequate control between accreditation and hospital-level healthcare system.
Science
PS1-KI mice harboring the FAD-related M146V PS1 mutation do not express mutant APP or h-tau, do not show any AD-related cognitive decline nor A β- or tau-mediated pathology, thereby providing an adequate control to investigate the specific impact of the AD-like A β and tau pathology occurring in 3 × Tg-AD mice.
Science
This study sets out a way to suppress Rh sintering by an adequate control of the interaction between supported Rh and Nd2O3 on the surface of stabilized ZrO2.
Science
One key limitation is that they have failed to employ an adequate control condition often using instead a usual care scenario e.g. [ 21- 23], or wait list control e.g. [ 24] neither of which explicitly controls for the effects of the increased contact with staff.
Science
A 50% recycling ratio was used in order to test if a high level of RAP incorporation could be achieved by an adequate control of the production process.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use the correct article ("an") before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "adequate." Double-check your writing for these common errors to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Common error
A frequent mistake is using "a" before words starting with a vowel sound (like "adequate") instead of "an". Always remember the rule: "an" precedes vowel sounds, while "a" precedes consonant sounds.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase's intended function is to modify a noun, specifying that the level of control is suitable or sufficient. However, due to the grammatical error pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase requires correction before it can effectively fulfill this function.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the query "a adequate control" presents a grammatical error. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the correct form is "an adequate control". This corrected phrase is most commonly used within scientific contexts to describe the sufficiency of a control mechanism, although instances are rare due to the error. To avoid this mistake, remember to use "an" before words starting with a vowel sound. Alternatives like "a sufficient control" or "an appropriate control" can also convey a similar meaning while adhering to grammatical correctness. Therefore, attention to detail and article usage can greatly enhance clarity and professionalism in writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
an adequate control
Corrects the grammatical error by using "an" instead of "a" before the vowel sound of "adequate".
a sufficient control
Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient" while keeping the original grammatical structure (but it needs to be fixed from a to an).
an appropriate control
Substitutes "adequate" with "appropriate", requiring the article "an" for grammatical correctness.
a proper control
Uses "proper" instead of "adequate", implying correctness or suitability in the control measure (needs to be fixed from a to an).
a fitting control
Replaces "adequate" with "fitting", suggesting the control is well-suited for the situation (needs to be fixed from a to an).
a suitable control
Uses "suitable" instead of "adequate", indicating the control is appropriate for its intended purpose (needs to be fixed from a to an).
an effective control
Focuses on the effectiveness of the control measure rather than its adequacy.
a satisfactory control
Substitutes "adequate" with "satisfactory", implying that the control meets the required standards (needs to be fixed from a to an).
a decent control
Replaces "adequate" with "decent", implying the control is of an acceptable standard (needs to be fixed from a to an).
a reasonable control
Uses "reasonable" instead of "adequate", suggesting the control is fair and justifiable (needs to be fixed from a to an).
FAQs
What's the correct way to say "a adequate control"?
The grammatically correct way is to say "an adequate control". The article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
What can I say instead of "a adequate control"?
You can use alternatives like "a sufficient control" or "an appropriate control", ensuring correct article usage.
Is "a adequate control" grammatically correct?
No, "a adequate control" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "an adequate control" because "adequate" begins with a vowel sound.
What's the difference between "a adequate control" and "an adequate control"?
"A adequate control" is grammatically incorrect. "An adequate control" is correct because "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested