adequate alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'adequate alternative' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is suitable or acceptable in place of a preferred option. For example, "Since the theatre was closed, we had to find an adequate alternative for our team-building activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not present an adequate alternative to litigation.

The New York Times

Still, the optional 6-speed automatic is an adequate alternative.

The New York Times

Volunteers and grassroots organisations say these children have not been offered an adequate alternative.

The Guardian

The Supreme Court has ruled that habeas corpus can be eliminated if an adequate alternative process is provided.

The New York Times

But exiled community figures living in Britain say the money can never be an adequate alternative to the right to live in their homeland.

The Guardian

A cheaper, adequate alternative is Sharp's Reliable Wrecks, Highland Rail House on the station square; (44-1463) 236684, fax [phone].

The New York Times - Travel

The issue is that nowadays we have come to believe that working at home is a completely adequate alternative to showing our face in the office.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Haq's death is another setback for the American antiterrorism campaign, which has yet to provide Afghanistan's disaffected with an adequate alternative.

The New York Times

Mr. Reyes said Tesla had adequate alternative sources of cash, including $189 million it can still tap on a federal loan.

The New York Times

Now... JUSTICE O'CONNOR -- So in your view does this case boil down, as I take it the Solicitor General also expresses, the notion that we have to determine whether section 3501 is an adequate alternative?

The New York Times

Rosemont "don't have adequate alternative analysis of impacts to surface and groundwater, they don't have an analysis of the impacts to endangered species and they don't have a mitigation plan," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing options, use "adequate alternative" to indicate that a solution is satisfactory, even if not ideal, emphasizing its practicality in the given context.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate alternative" when the context requires highlighting the best or most optimal solution. "Adequate" implies acceptability, not superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate alternative" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "alternative". It describes a substitution or option that is satisfactory or acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate alternative" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a satisfactory, though not necessarily ideal, substitute or option. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. As the analysis reveals, it frequently appears in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider whether the context requires highlighting the best solution or simply an acceptable one. Synonyms like "sufficient substitute" or "acceptable option" can provide alternative ways to express similar meanings, each with subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient substitute

Emphasizes the ability to meet a specific need or requirement.

acceptable option

Focuses on the satisfactory nature of the choice.

suitable replacement

Highlights the role of taking the place of something else.

viable solution

Stresses the practicality and workability of the option.

reasonable recourse

Indicates a sensible and practical action to take.

serviceable stand-in

Suggests a functional but perhaps not ideal replacement.

passable workaround

Implies a solution that is just good enough to get by.

satisfactory resource

Highlights the capability to provide what is needed.

competent surrogate

Emphasizes the ability to perform the required function adequately.

effective expedient

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome efficiently.

FAQs

How can I use "adequate alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "adequate alternative" to describe a solution that is acceptable, though not necessarily the best. For example, "Since we couldn't get tickets to the concert, watching the movie was an "adequate alternative"."

What's a good synonym for "adequate alternative"?

A good synonym is "sufficient substitute", which implies something that meets the necessary requirements.

Is there a difference between an "adequate alternative" and a "sufficient alternative"?

While similar, "adequate alternative" suggests something is just good enough, whereas "sufficient alternative" emphasizes that it fully meets the need. They are often interchangeable, but "sufficient" might imply a slightly higher standard.

When is it appropriate to use "adequate alternative" instead of "best option"?

Use "adequate alternative" when you want to convey that a solution is acceptable and functional, but not necessarily the most desirable. "Best option" implies that it's the optimal choice, while "adequate alternative" suggests a compromise or fallback plan.