adequate effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of effort that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular task or situation. Example: "The team put in adequate effort to meet the project deadline, ensuring all tasks were completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Blackmon shows adequate effort as a run blocker and will sometimes deliver a strong punch or shove.

The New York Times

After a long welcome speech by the race organiser Patrick Bauer, and an adequate effort by his translator, the helicopters took off and the countdown began.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The most adequate effort for upgrading the potential of lignite is the drying process, influenced by both the drying conditions and the physicochemical features of lignite.

Fuel Processing Technology

But Ms. Lieberman said the city had not made an adequate effort to inform parents of that choice, even though the Department of Education has been telling principals to send letters to parents and students about the opt-out option.

The New York Times

Thomas J. Bliley Jr., a Virginia Republican who is chairman of the House Commerce Committee, asked Defense Secretary William S. Cohen in a Aug. 14 letter to explain why his agency had apparently failed to make "an adequate effort" to review the Energy Department's revised plan or boost security.

The New York Times

There's also a ferment here of independent filmmaking that liberates young people who, in earlier times, might have had to scuffle or supplicate for years while angling for a practical chance that now, with video, and with adequate effort, they can seize for themselves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As part of its audit, the state is examining whether the center has made adequate efforts to cultivate revenue sources besides the box office.

The New York Times - Arts

Poor marks could eventually mean fines or other penalties for members that do not make adequate efforts to balance their books.

The New York Times

Like those, it offers the option to apply sanctions, in this case to countries that are not, in the government's view, making adequate efforts to fight the slave trade.

The New York Times

concluded that the Wage and Hour Division had inappropriately rejected complaints based on incorrect information provided by employers, failed to make adequate efforts to locate employers and did not thoroughly investigate and resolve complaints.

The New York Times

"I think we still lack adequate efforts on that front". This year, Fukuda's government is pushing a "work-life balance" program that addresses the country's famously punishing work ethic.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate effort", ensure you are specific about the context. For instance, instead of simply stating someone made "adequate effort", clarify what they put effort into and what the outcome was. This provides a clearer picture of their contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate effort" when a project or task requires exceptional or extraordinary work. Using it in this context can diminish the significance of the required outcome. Instead, reserve "adequate effort" for situations where a satisfactory result is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "adequate" modifies the noun "effort". It describes the quality or sufficiency of the exertion or work applied to a task. As Ludwig shows, it often appears when assessing whether someone has done enough to meet a certain standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a level of exertion that is sufficient or satisfactory for a given task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, from science to news. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "sufficient exertion" or "reasonable endeavor" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. Remember to be specific about the context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient exertion

Focuses on the amount of energy expended, highlighting if it's enough.

satisfactory application

Emphasizes the act of putting something to use in a way that meets requirements.

reasonable endeavor

Highlights the attempt made is fair and justifiable considering the circumstances.

suitable attempt

Focuses on how well the attempt matches what is needed or expected.

appropriate measures

Shifts focus to actions taken, emphasizing they are fitting for a purpose.

competent performance

Spotlights the ability to perform a task effectively and acceptably.

decent attempt

Emphasizes the attempt is respectable or of moderate quality.

acceptable contribution

Centers on the input made being good enough to meet a certain standard.

passable execution

Highlights that the task was carried out just well enough to be considered acceptable.

fitting undertaking

Focuses on the suitability of the task or project in terms of what is necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate effort" to describe situations where the level of exertion is sufficient or satisfactory, such as, "The student demonstrated "adequate effort" on the assignment to earn a passing grade."

What's a more formal alternative to "adequate effort"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "sufficient exertion" or "satisfactory application" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always positive to describe something as "adequate effort"?

Not necessarily. While "adequate effort" suggests a task was completed to a satisfactory level, it might imply that there was no outstanding or exceptional performance. Its connotation depends on the context.

How does "adequate effort" differ from "maximum effort"?

"Adequate effort" means that the effort was sufficient to meet a requirement, while "maximum effort" implies that the highest possible level of exertion was applied, often going above and beyond what was necessary.