adequate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"adequate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a response that is sufficient and appropriate to a given question. For example, "I was pleased with her adequate answer to my inquiry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But that isn't an adequate answer.

The New York Times

Few think that is an adequate answer.

The Economist

But it is not an adequate answer.

The Economist

"I don't have an adequate answer to that".

The New York Times

Many of those do not have an adequate answer.

The Guardian

"I cannot say we have an adequate answer," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

All right, do, but don't expect adequate answers.

The Guardian - Travel

But the truncated debate meant there were no adequate answers given on these issues.

The New York Times

Herta questioned her own rabbi about Christ & didn't receive adequate answers.

The New Yorker

However, unilateral schools of thought that attempt to simplify the complexity of economic processes do not provide adequate answers.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's very tough to provide adequate answers to our parents who have to work during the day and who are also concerned about their children's education".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate answer", consider the context and audience to ensure it conveys the intended level of sufficiency, as it can sometimes imply a minimal standard.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate answer" when the response is truly exceptional or exceeds expectations; instead, opt for phrases like "comprehensive explanation" or "thorough response".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "answer". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a response that meets a certain baseline level of sufficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the term accurately reflects the intended level of quality. Alternatives such as "sufficient response" or "satisfactory reply" may be more appropriate when a higher level of quality is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient response

Replaces "answer" with "response", implying a general reaction rather than a direct reply.

satisfactory reply

Substitutes "adequate" with "satisfactory" and "answer" with "reply", emphasizing contentment with the response.

acceptable explanation

Replaces "answer" with "explanation", focusing on the clarity and understandability of the response.

suitable response

Uses "suitable" instead of "adequate", suggesting the response fits the situation or requirement.

appropriate answer

Emphasizes that the answer is fitting or relevant to the question asked.

fitting response

Similar to "suitable response" but implies a more tailored or precise match to the situation.

good enough answer

More informal, suggesting the answer meets a minimum requirement but may not be exceptional.

serviceable explanation

Implies the explanation is functional and meets basic needs, though it may not be ideal.

minimally acceptable response

Highlights that the response barely meets the criteria for acceptance.

barely adequate answer

Indicates the answer is only just adequate, with a negative connotation of being insufficient.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate answer" to describe a response that is sufficient but not necessarily outstanding. For example: "The student provided an "adequate answer" to the exam question, earning partial credit."

What's the difference between "adequate answer" and "satisfactory answer"?

"Adequate answer" implies the response just meets the minimum requirements, while "satisfactory answer" suggests it meets expectations and is pleasing.

What can I say instead of "adequate answer"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficient response", "acceptable explanation", or "suitable response" depending on the context.

Is "adequate answer" formal or informal?

"Adequate answer" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferable in highly formal settings.