adequate praise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate praise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the sufficiency or appropriateness of compliments or recognition given to someone for their efforts or achievements. Example: "The teacher provided adequate praise to the students for their hard work, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Such crowded worlds find adequate praise, or damnation, only in rapid-fire lists: "the dawn-eyed village alley, / the intrepid nets of hushed camps, you / with your embarcation, gypsy-Indian hair, and me / without a hat, did you love me".

The New York Times - Books

When The Times of India questioned whether or not tanpura musicians received adequate praise for their contributions to the album, Ghosh responded that the tanpura is a "drawn instrument and not a performance art".

Wikipedia

Policy makers and managers should improve the level of POS in COs by establishing fair and impartial procedures, affirming the contribution of COs and giving adequate praise and awards, maintaining effective communication with COs, helping them with career planning, providing good working conditions, improving job autonomy, and caring about their well-being [ 41, 53, 54].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

William York of Allmusic thought the band "doesn't really add anything new to the mix from a musical standpoint" with the release, while also praising it for being "solid enough and well executed" with "adequate" production.

Wikipedia

And that amounts to high praise in a long and grueling enterprise that does not allow for adequate rehearsal.

The New York Times - Arts

Entertainment Weekly television writer Ken Tucker praised Jason Katims' script and felt the episode gave all the actors adequate screen-time while contributing to the overall shape of the series.

Wikipedia

Though it only praises two platforms, Origin and Steam, for having what it describes as "adequate systems" for refunding purchased video games.

TechCrunch

Some time later, though, watching the TV news, he heard Clinton praise the late King Hussein of Jordan as a man "whose immense ambition had an ethically adequate object".

The Guardian - Books

"For years, New York City has locked people up without the provision of adequate programs and treatment to change their thinking and their behavior," the mayor said in a statement praising the coming changes.

Vice

Adequate parking.

The New York Times

Siân Phillips adequate.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate praise", ensure that the amount and type of praise genuinely reflect the accomplishment. Avoid excessive or insincere praise, as it can undermine its value.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate praise" when the accomplishment warrants more significant recognition. Using "adequate" might imply the achievement was merely satisfactory when it was, in fact, exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate praise" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "praise". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. It typically describes the sufficiency or appropriateness of commendation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate praise" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe commendation that is sufficient and appropriate for a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is not very common, it appears mostly in news media, scientific and wiki contexts. It is crucial to use it when the commendation accurately reflects the accomplishment, avoiding both overstatement and understatement. Alternatives include "sufficient praise" and "appropriate recognition". Ensure that the use of "adequate praise" aligns with the desired tone and the actual level of achievement to avoid sounding lukewarm or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient praise

Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient", emphasizing that the praise meets the necessary requirements.

appropriate recognition

Shifts from praise to recognition, highlighting the suitability of acknowledging someone's efforts.

fitting commendation

Uses "fitting" to suggest the praise is well-suited or deserved in the situation.

deserved acclaim

Focuses on the deserving nature of the recognition received.

due credit

Highlights the aspect of giving someone the acknowledgement they are owed.

satisfactory approval

Indicates a level of approval that meets expectations but might not exceed them.

reasonable appreciation

Suggests a level of gratitude that is fair and justified.

fair acknowledgement

Emphasizes the impartiality and justice of the recognition given.

moderate plaudits

Implies a restrained or limited amount of praise, suitable for the situation.

suitable commendation

Highlights that the praise is well adapted or appropriate for the particular circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate praise" to describe situations where the recognition given is sufficient but not excessive, such as, "The team leader ensured each member received "adequate praise" for their contributions to the project".

What's the difference between "adequate praise" and "effusive praise"?

"Adequate praise" refers to praise that is sufficient and appropriate for the achievement, while "effusive praise" implies excessive and often exaggerated commendation. Choose the term that best reflects the actual level of accomplishment.

What are some synonyms for "adequate praise"?

Alternatives to "adequate praise" include "sufficient praise", "appropriate recognition", and "fitting commendation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "adequate praise" always a positive thing?

While praise is generally positive, describing it as "adequate" can sometimes sound lukewarm or imply that the achievement was only satisfactory. Ensure your intention is to acknowledge the achievement fairly, without overstating its significance.