adequate proxy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate proxy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a substitute or representative that is sufficient for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "In the absence of direct evidence, we can use an adequate proxy to estimate the results of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

And since jobs are evolving so quickly, with so many new tools, a bachelor's degree is no longer considered an adequate proxy by employers for your ability to do a particular job — and, therefore, be hired.

The New York Times

This paper analyses whether self-reported valuation of goods is an adequate proxy for underlying tastes.

Journal of Economic Psychology

However, as the purpose of ultrasound is to guide the user in locating the vessel rather than the technique of cannulation, we considered it an adequate proxy.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Moreover, according to Oliner (1993), hedonic equations should include the age as an explicit argument, because if omitted characteristics are correlated with model age, this would be an adequate proxy for them.

SERIEs

We feel that as the main purpose of ultrasound guidance is to aid in locating and puncturing the vein, venepuncture acted as an adequate proxy for peripheral venous access.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Such investigation should specifically consider, first, whether the NIC provides an adequate proxy for all potential neck injuries due to whiplash and, secondly, whether the proposed threshold value of 15 m2/s2 is an appropriate level for the stated goal.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

However, despite some consistencies discernible across studies, problems remain concerning experimental validity, e.g., the expediencies of experimenter-sanctioned cued-deception (i.e., subjects being told when to lie); such 'lies' may not have comprised adequate proxies for 'real-life' deception.

NeuroImage

But he said there are "many Midwestern and Eastern industrial-type cities" that would serve as adequate proxies.

Huffington Post

Yet, extant taxa may not always be adequate proxies for modelling past evolutionary processes [ 7– 9].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In addition, use of two such variables supports evidence that colinearity of many SES indicators is often too low to render them as adequate proxies for one another [ 9, 15].

BMC Pediatrics

We were not able to acquire crime-rate data at the census-tract scale for Phoenix, but we believe that unemployment and vacancy rates are adequate proxies for social stability.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate proxy", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being replaced and why the proxy is sufficient. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "adequate proxy" as a perfect or ideal substitute. Acknowledge its limitations to maintain credibility and transparency. Saying it is "adequate" suggests it is 'good enough', not 'the best'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate proxy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "proxy". It signifies that the proxy, while not perfect, is sufficient for its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate proxy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a substitute or representative measure that is sufficient for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most frequently used in scientific and formal contexts. While it signifies that the proxy serves its intended purpose, it also implies that the substitute may not be perfect or ideal. Therefore, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the proxy when using it. Consider alternatives like "sufficient substitute" or "acceptable representation" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient substitute

Replaces "adequate proxy" with synonyms focusing on the sufficiency of the replacement.

acceptable representation

Emphasizes the representational aspect, suggesting the substitute is good enough.

satisfactory stand-in

Highlights the temporary nature of the substitution while being acceptable.

suitable alternative

Indicates a different option that works well enough in place of the original.

reasonable approximation

Focuses on the similarity and closeness to the original without being exact.

serviceable replacement

Highlights the functionality and utility of the replacement.

passable equivalent

Suggests the substitute is just good enough to pass or be accepted.

workable substitute

Implies the substitute is not ideal, but it can still be used to get the job done.

tolerable placeholder

Suggests the replacement is only used temporarily and is barely acceptable.

makeshift alternative

Implies the replacement is created quickly and used temporarily due to a lack of better options.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate proxy" to describe a substitute measure or indicator that is sufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "In this study, we used voter turnout as an "adequate proxy" for civic engagement".

What are some alternatives to using "adequate proxy"?

Alternatives to "adequate proxy" include phrases like "sufficient substitute", "acceptable representation", or "reasonable approximation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "adequate proxy"?

It's appropriate to use "adequate proxy" when you're acknowledging that a measure isn't perfect but serves its purpose reasonably well. Use it when a direct measurement is unavailable or impractical.

What's the difference between "adequate proxy" and "ideal proxy"?

"Adequate proxy" implies that the substitute is satisfactory but not necessarily the best option. "Ideal proxy", on the other hand, suggests that the substitute is the most suitable and accurate available.