adequate only for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate only for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that something is sufficient or suitable exclusively for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "The resources provided are adequate only for the initial phase of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The compensation became dubbed "Walkman money", thought adequate only for replacing clothes and personal stereos.

The Guardian

Although of his own making, this was adequate only for what he now calls the "transition" period.

The Economist

The casks currently are at the lightly-guarded Tajoura Nuclear Facility, closed with two IAEA seals that are adequate only for transportation, not storage.

The Guardian

There is a center safety belt for a third passenger, but the rear is adequate only for daily use by two children or occasional use by two adults.

The New York Times

Six weeks of rest period is adequate only for the functional repair of resorption craters.

Progress in Orthodontics

The present work shows that this approach is adequate only for large values of the molecular Péclet number.

Chemical Engineering Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the context of all mentioned negative prognostic markers, the consideration of the RLN preservation/resection is adequate, only if no other areas, except for the strap muscles, are affected.

BioMed Research International

While single-mode analysis is simple and straightforward in the prediction of wind-induced responses of long-span bridges, it has adequate accuracy only for bridges with a weak modal coupling.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The largest metaanalyses possible still include <1000 participants in total, and therefore provide adequate power only for associations with large effect size (approximately OR, ≤0.6 or OR, ≥1.8).

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

With the exception of the studies reported in Figure 6, the meta-analyses each include <1000 participants in total and therefore provide adequate power only for associations with large effect size (approximately OR ≤0.6 or OR≥1.8).

European Urology

This would provide adequate time not only for members but also for ordinary citizens, the media and independent good-government groups to understand the contents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "adequate only for", ensure that you clearly specify the context or purpose for which something is sufficient to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate only for" when the subject is truly insufficient. If something barely meets minimum requirements, consider using more precise terms like 'barely sufficient' or 'marginally adequate'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate only for" functions as a limiting adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by specifying that something is sufficient or appropriate, but strictly within a defined scope or context. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adequate only for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is sufficient or suitable, but strictly within a defined context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It commonly appears in scientific, news, and business-related contexts, denoting limitations in a resource, skill, or capability. Alternative phrases, such as "sufficient solely for" or "exclusively appropriate for", can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, specificity is key to prevent misinterpretations. While it's a useful phrase, care should be taken not to overstate adequacy and to consider more precise terms when something barely meets the required minimum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient solely for

Emphasizes exclusivity in adequacy, indicating that something is just enough for a single purpose and not others.

suitable exclusively for

Highlights that something is appropriate for one specific context and no other.

just enough for

Conveys the idea that something barely meets the requirements for a particular need.

limited to

Focuses on the restriction of something's use or application.

appropriate merely for

Stresses that something is suitable for a specific limited purpose, implying it's not ideal for anything else.

only applicable to

Highlights that something is relevant or effective in a singular context.

restricted to

Indicates a clear boundary on the usability or effectiveness of something.

solely intended for

Emphasizes the intended purpose, indicating it's not designed or suitable for other uses.

exclusively for

Highlights that it can be used only on specified case.

designed only for

Highlights that something is engineered only for specified context.

FAQs

How do I use "adequate only for" in a sentence?

Use "adequate only for" to specify when something is sufficient for a limited purpose. For example, "This budget is adequate only for the initial stages of the project."

What's a more formal alternative to "adequate only for"?

In formal writing, consider using "sufficient solely for" or "exclusively appropriate for" to convey a similar meaning with a higher register.

Is there a difference between "adequate only for" and "sufficient for"?

"Sufficient for" implies general adequacy, while "adequate only for" emphasizes limitations. The first suggests it meets requirements, whereas the second highlights the restricted scope of its suitability. For example consider /s/sufficient+for vs /s/adequate+only+for.

What are some common contexts where "adequate only for" is used?

This phrase is commonly used in discussions related to budgets, resources, skills, or qualifications where limitations are being explicitly defined.