adequate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or context. Example: "The teacher asked an adequate question that prompted a thoughtful discussion among the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For topic 5 the students of both groups indicated that the degree of difficulty of the courses was adequate (Question 23, Table 2).

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Referrals will be based on more adequate questions.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

5 Because the need for contraception may vary between women from different cultures, it is adequate to question the use of native women as the reference group.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

We made similar calculations after imputing missing values on the primary outcome, assuming that patients who did not fill in the adequate relief question in the diary were non-responders ("worst case analysis").

British Medical Journal

In line with previous recommendations for outcome assessment in research into functional gastrointestinal disease, 19 20 we chose the adequate relief question ("Did you have adequate relief of irritable bowel syndrome related abdominal pain or discomfort in the past week?") as the primary outcome.

British Medical Journal

Since there are no standards for these methods, we developed some questions based on the experiences of our investigators and staff whenever adequate existing questions were not identified.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The common variety of threaded discourse is adequate for question-answer and opinion-reaction exchanges, and these constitute almost the whole of what one finds in the ubiquitous threaded discussions attached to news stories and blog postings on the web.

Smart Learning Environments

One underlying aim of this study was to use the findings as a basis to generate adequate research questions, identify feasible and relevant assessment tools, and gather experience in terms of feasibility for conducting a further study on the effects of KT.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A research nurse administered the pilot testing, and gathered feedback regarding the questionnaire from the participating nurses (i.e. understandable questions, ambiguous questions, adequate or lacking answering alternatives).

BMC Geriatrics

I don't think college pranks are adequate grounds to question someone's religion, and it's a sign of desperation (or Karl Rove's presence) when faith is introduced as a wedge issue.

The Economist

According to (E′) if the evidence is adequate, then the question is settled.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating a question, consider not only its direct relevance but also its potential to stimulate further inquiry and deeper understanding. An "adequate question" should effectively address the immediate need while also opening avenues for further exploration.

Common error

Don't settle for a question that is merely "adequate" when a more insightful or probing question could yield significantly richer information. Always strive to formulate questions that push beyond the surface level of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate question" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'adequate' modifies the noun 'question'. This indicates a question that meets a minimum requirement or standard. As Ludwig AI explains, this indicates a question that meets a minimum requirement or standard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate question" describes a question that is sufficient or satisfactory for its purpose. While grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it may not always be the most impactful choice. More descriptive alternatives like "relevant question" or "probing question" might better convey the desired nuance. While rare, its usage spans diverse fields, notably science, news, and formal business contexts. When formulating your inquiries, remember that while adequacy is acceptable, striving for excellence can lead to more insightful outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appropriate question

Emphasizes that the question is suitable or fitting for the context.

Suitable question

Highlights the question's fitness for a specific situation or purpose.

Relevant question

Focuses on the question's direct connection and importance to the topic.

Fitting question

Suggests the question is well-matched or harmonious with the discussion.

Satisfactory question

Indicates the question meets the required standards or expectations.

Sufficient question

Focuses on the question providing enough information or probing deeply enough.

Good question

A general term indicating the question is valuable or insightful.

Well-phrased question

Highlights the clarity and effectiveness of the question's wording.

Pertinent question

Emphasizes the question's direct relevance and significance.

Valid question

Suggests the question is logically sound and based on reasonable premises.

FAQs

How can I ensure my question is "adequate"?

To ensure your question is "adequate", consider its relevance to the topic, clarity of language, and potential to elicit a meaningful response. It should directly address the issue at hand and be easily understood by the intended audience.

What are some alternatives to asking an "adequate question"?

Depending on the context, you could aim for a "relevant question", a "probing question", or a "well-phrased question" to get a more insightful response.

What makes a question 'adequate' versus 'excellent'?

An "adequate question" sufficiently covers the basic requirements, while an 'excellent' question goes further by stimulating deeper thought, uncovering nuances, and potentially sparking further inquiry.

Is it always enough for a question to be merely "adequate"?

While an "adequate question" serves its basic purpose, aiming for more thoughtful and insightful inquiries can lead to a more comprehensive understanding and richer discussions. Consider if a more "pertinent question" could unlock more value.