adequate means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the sufficiency or appropriateness of resources or methods to achieve a particular goal. Example: "To ensure the project's success, we must provide adequate means for our team to complete their tasks effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More than a quarter of Turkey's children live in poverty, meaning that their caregivers do not have adequate means to feed, clothe, shelter, educate or protect them.

Unicef

"We have very adequate means to find out whether infiltration is taking place or not".

The New York Times

They lived on very adequate means and had a succession of beautiful high-spirited children - 16 in all.

The New Yorker

Lieutenant Konaré said the government had not given the troops adequate means "to defend the nation" against the northern rebels.

The New York Times

A perfectly adequate means of protecting and rewarding software developers for their ingenuity has existed for over 300 years.

The Economist

Yet surely it's the drive to attain those adequate means in China, India and elsewhere in the emerging markets that presents such a daunting environmental challenge.

The Guardian - Books

I don't mind whether I get a permanent position – I just want my work to be recognised and to be provided with adequate means to do it.

The Guardian - Business

American officials think that is improbable, given that Iran would invite an attack when it had no adequate means of deterrence.

The Economist

In the absence of adequate means to store it, much of this surplus green energy has had to be dumped on the spot market below cost.

The Economist

Fire-prevention standards should be strict, and provisions for adequate means of egress in case of fire, power failure, or other accident should be provided.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is this coming together of the strong motivation to avoid déclassement and the usually adequate means for doing so that is the source of the powerful resistance to change".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate means", clearly specify what these means are and what they are intended to achieve to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate means" when the resources or methods are clearly insufficient. Instead, acknowledge the limitations and propose improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate means" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the availability and sufficiency of resources, methods, or capabilities needed to achieve a specific purpose or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adequate means" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the availability of sufficient resources or methods. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It frequently appears in news and media, scientific literature, and formal business communications, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what these "adequate means" consist of and their intended purpose. Alternatives such as "sufficient resources" or "suitable methods" can be used to add nuance. Be cautious of overstating adequacy when resources are limited, and consider alternative phrasing to better reflect the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient resources

Focuses on the quantity and availability of resources.

suitable methods

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the methods used.

appropriate measures

Highlights the actions taken to address a need.

satisfactory provisions

Stresses the arrangements made to meet requirements.

requisite arrangements

Implies that arrangements are not only necessary but also officially required.

necessary tools

Highlights the importance of having the required instruments or equipment.

capable instruments

Emphasizes that the tools are able to deliver the requested action.

effective solutions

Stresses the effectiveness of the solutions.

ample provisions

Emphasizes abundance, suggesting more than just sufficiency.

decent arrangements

Focuses on the acceptability of the arrangements.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate means" to describe the availability of sufficient resources or methods to achieve a particular goal. For example, "The project failed because they did not have "adequate means" to complete it."

What phrases can I use instead of "adequate means"?

Alternatives to "adequate means" include "sufficient resources", "suitable methods", or "appropriate measures", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sufficient means" or "adequate means"?

Both "adequate means" and "sufficient means" are acceptable. "Adequate" suggests just enough, while "sufficient" implies enough to meet the requirements fully. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "adequate means"?

It's inappropriate to use "adequate means" when describing situations where the resources or methods are clearly lacking or insufficient for the task at hand. In such cases, it would be more accurate to describe the means as limited or insufficient.