adequate description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a description that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or context. Example: "The report provided an adequate description of the project's objectives and outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adequate description of fatigue crack path stability.

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics

"Isolationist" seems a barely adequate description for Kennedy's worldview.

The New York Times - Books

Model predictions gave an adequate description of experimental reactor performance.

Chemical Engineering Science

This feels like an adequate description, if not an appetizing one.

The New Yorker

Kinetic rate equations and parameters were derived which led to adequate description of experimental data.

Catalysis Today

Only a combination of rheological instruments makes the adequate description of concrete pumpability possible.

Construction and Building Materials

An adequate description of PTSD or depression or any mental disorder must include the patient's subjective experience.

The New York Times

Nevertheless the reasons he prefers speaking to linguistic theory as an adequate description of verbal behavior are impressively demonstrated.

The New York Times - Books

The mushroom cloud, Hubbard wrote, rose to a height of 60,000ft - "a sight of such majesty and grotesque beauty that it defies adequate description".

The Guardian

Later, when I talked to Cardarelli, he called it "meat with a personality". This feels like an adequate description, if not an appetizing one.

The New Yorker

A reaction scheme consisting of seven elementary reactions is considered, which provides an adequate description of chemical kinetics.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate description", ensure the context clarifies what standards or requirements are being met. For instance, 'an adequate description for scientific publication' specifies a higher standard than 'an adequate description for a casual conversation'.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate description" when a more precise or thorough account is needed. Overstating the quality of the description can mislead your audience. For example, instead of using this phrase, consider providing a more "comprehensive description" or a "detailed account" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate description" functions as a pre-modifying adjective ("adequate") plus a noun ("description"). According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. It serves to qualify the noun 'description', indicating that it meets a certain standard or requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

22%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate description" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that a description meets a certain standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s readily usable across a range of contexts. While "adequate description" is widely understood, varying your language with alternatives like "sufficient account" or "suitable representation" can add nuance. Be mindful of overstating the 'adequacy' if a more comprehensive account is genuinely needed. Ensure the context clearly defines the standards being met for a truly "adequate description".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient account

Emphasizes completeness and detail in the explanation.

acceptable depiction

Focuses on the portrayal being satisfactory or passable.

suitable representation

Highlights the appropriateness of the representation for a given purpose.

fitting characterization

Suggests that the description accurately captures the essence of something.

satisfactory explanation

Underlines that the explanation meets the required standards.

reasonable portrayal

Implies a balanced and objective representation.

appropriate account

Focuses on the suitability of the account in a specific context.

serviceable detailing

Highlights the functional aspect of the detailing being adequate.

passable summary

Indicates that the summary is acceptable but not necessarily outstanding.

competent presentation

Emphasizes the skill and ability in the way something is presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate description" to indicate that a description meets a certain standard or requirement. For example, "The report provided an "adequate description" of the project's objectives and outcomes".

What are some alternatives to "adequate description"?

Alternatives include "sufficient account", "acceptable depiction", or "suitable representation" depending on the context.

What does it mean for a description to be 'adequate'?

For a description to be considered 'adequate', it means that it is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or need. It implies that the description meets a certain standard or requirement.

Is "adequate description" formal or informal language?

"Adequate description" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the specific requirements of the situation.