adequate for

USAGE SUMMARY

'adequate for' is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when referring to something having enough of a quality or quantity to fulfill a specified purpose. Example: This amount of money is adequate for covering the cost of the repairs.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It proved adequate for many years.

The Economist

Neither, statistically, seems adequate for a review.

Independent

It was perfectly adequate for one person.

The New York Times

Blockbuster is adequate for new releases.

The New York Times

Nothing else seems adequate for some reason.

The New Yorker

Seasoning is minimal, but adequate for most palates.

The New York Times

Sales Associate: It's perfectly adequate for freeway speeds.

The New Yorker

Blunt knives, of course, were barely adequate for most meats.

The New Yorker

It is quite small, not adequate for laps or exercise.

The New York Times - Travel

A television-quality tape is adequate for that purpose.

The New York Times

One inch an hour is adequate for a home lawn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate for", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is sufficient for. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your meaning is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate for" when a stronger term like "excellent" or "optimal" is more appropriate. "Adequate" implies meeting a minimum standard, not exceeding expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is sufficient or satisfactory for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in English writing. With numerous examples across diverse fields like science, news, and general discourse, it shows broad applicability. While alternatives such as "sufficient for" or "suitable for" exist, "adequate for" maintains a versatile neutrality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what the subject is "adequate for" to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient for

Emphasizes meeting a requirement or need, similar to "adequate for" but potentially implying a stricter standard.

suitable for

Highlights appropriateness or fitness for a particular situation or role, implying a good match.

appropriate for

Indicates something is right or well-suited for a specific purpose or context.

enough for

Suggests a basic level of sufficiency, often implying minimal acceptability.

fit for

Implies preparedness or qualification for a specific role or task, often suggesting capability.

capable of

Focuses on the ability to perform a task or function, highlighting potential.

equal to

Emphasizes equivalence in quality or quantity, implying a balanced match.

up to

Suggests meeting a certain standard or level, often implying a challenge.

meets the requirements of

More formal, emphasizes compliance with specific criteria or standards.

serviceable for

Implies fulfilling a practical need or function, often without being exceptional.

FAQs

What does "adequate for" mean?

"Adequate for" means sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or need. It implies that something meets the minimum requirements without necessarily being exceptional.

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

You can use "adequate for" to describe something that meets the necessary requirements for a specific situation. For example, "The budget is "sufficient for" the project's initial phase".

What are some alternatives to "adequate for"?

Alternatives include "sufficient for", "suitable for", "appropriate for", or "enough for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "adequate for" and "ideal for"?

Yes. "Adequate for" implies meeting a minimum standard, while "ideal for" suggests being the best possible choice. If something is "ideal for", it not only meets the requirements but also offers additional benefits or advantages. So, "suitable for" may work as alternative but not "ideal for".