adequate explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"adequate explanation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for something. Example: The teacher's response to the student's question was not an adequate explanation, leaving the student confused and frustrated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He gave her what he thought an adequate explanation.

The New Yorker

Until recently, that would have seemed an adequate explanation.

The Economist

Ms. Fadiman's supporters contend that she and the three editors were fired without an adequate explanation.

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, reference to them is essential to any adequate explanation of human behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Metaphoric phrases, like "the world is no longer flat, it's upside-down," don't provide an adequate explanation.

The New York Times

Neither blow is an adequate explanation of the febrile atmosphere in Downing Street.So what is?

The Economist

It was a bubble, I would respond with a sheepish shrug, as if that were an adequate explanation.

The New York Times

But if that were an adequate explanation, we would long ago have transferred our allegiance to Turkey or maybe Bulgaria.

The New York Times - Travel

By the end of the 19th century exhaustion was no longer considered an adequate explanation for mental illness.

The New York Times - Arts

If that's the case, normally you need to put out some extra material alongside it to provide adequate explanation.

The Economist

Diffusionists also felt that such factors provided adequate explanation for the poverty and disenfranchisement experienced by the "lower races".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "adequate explanation" with specific details or examples to strengthen the clarity and impact of your communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses the same level of knowledge as you. What seems like an "adequate explanation" to you may leave them confused. Always consider their perspective and provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate explanation" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes the quality or sufficiency of an explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is both correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate explanation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an explanation that meets a specific standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific research, and encyclopedic entries. While the perception of adequacy can be subjective, the phrase serves to evaluate the quality and completeness of explanations. Consider alternative phrases like "sufficient account" or "satisfactory rationale" for nuanced expression, and remember to provide sufficient context when employing "adequate explanation" to avoid audience misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient account

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the explanation.

satisfactory rationale

Focuses on the justification provided, highlighting its acceptability.

convincing justification

Highlights the persuasive nature of the reason provided.

acceptable clarification

Stresses that the explanation is agreeable and easy to understand.

reasonable grounds

Focuses on the logic and sensibility of the explanation.

valid interpretation

Emphasizes the legitimacy and correctness of the provided meaning.

plausible cause

Focuses on the believability and likelihood of the explanation.

credible story

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of the account.

tenable argument

Emphasizes that the reasoning can be defended or maintained.

serviceable answer

Highlights the fact that the explanation, while not ideal, serves its intended purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate explanation" to describe an explanation that meets the necessary requirements or standards. For example, "The company provided an "adequate explanation" for the product's defects."

What's a more formal synonym for "adequate explanation"?

In formal contexts, consider using "sufficient account" or "satisfactory rationale" as alternatives to "adequate explanation". These options offer a more elevated tone.

Is "adequate explanation" subjective?

Yes, the perception of what constitutes an "adequate explanation" can vary depending on individual expectations, prior knowledge, and the specific context.

What's the difference between "adequate explanation" and "complete explanation"?

While both imply a degree of sufficiency, "complete explanation" suggests a comprehensive and exhaustive account, while "adequate explanation" implies that the explanation is sufficient for a particular purpose or need, though potentially not exhaustive.