adequate reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is sufficient or satisfactory in addressing a question or concern. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe my response was an adequate reply to the client's inquiries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Whatever he asks next, I'm pretty sure I won't have an adequate reply.

The New York Times - Magazine

When she asks herself, "What are you?" she means what race, and she can't come up with any adequate reply.

The New York Times - Books

When the call failed to arrive, Sam Donaldson, intrepid as ever, pointed to the phone and asked Dole, "Shouldn't you have a battery in it?" To which, naturally, an adequate reply was neither required nor offered.

The New Yorker

It took me the best part of 10 years, much reading and reflection, and numerous field expeditions - to laboratories, hospitals, mines, hot air balloon clubs - plus two wonderful summers among the mathematicians and astrophysicists of Trinity College, Cambridge - to find an adequate reply.

The Guardian - Books

In these tasks, test takers take some time to make several points and to develop an adequate reply to the task prompts.

Language Testing in Asia

In contrast, whether actualist HOT theory can reply adequately to the rock objection will depend on whether or not there is an adequate reply to the problem considered in section 4, which challenges the actualist HOT theorist to say why targeting a mental state with a HOT about that state should cause the latter to 'light up' and acquire a subjective dimension or feel.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Perhaps that terse reply is the only adequate response to all questions of "Why?" relating to the Holocaust.

The New Yorker

Asked whether the law libraries were adequate, he replied wryly, "I'm still here".

The New York Times

Asked last week by the Commons defence committee about what he thought about the 82,000 figure, General Sir Nicholas Carter, the new head of the army, replied: "Adequate".

The Guardian

This reply is adequate only if it is true, as Popper assumes, that singular existential statements will always do the work of bridging the gap between a universal theory and a prediction.

SEP

The editors were much more prone to accept a reply as being adequate than the critics.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate reply", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard the reply is meeting. For example, is it 'adequate' to fully address the question or simply 'adequate' to acknowledge it?

Common error

Avoid using "adequate reply" when a more descriptive adjective would better convey the quality of the response. For instance, if the reply was exceptionally insightful, consider using "comprehensive" or "brilliant" instead of merely "adequate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate reply" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "reply". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adequate reply" describes a response that is sufficient or satisfactory, meeting a certain standard without necessarily excelling. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, primarily news and scientific writing. While "adequate reply" is not incorrect, writers should consider if a stronger adjective like "comprehensive" or "insightful" might be more appropriate to fully convey the quality of the response. As related alternatives, one could employ phrases such as "sufficient response" or "satisfactory answer". Overall, "adequate reply" is a reliable but not necessarily remarkable way to describe a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient response

Replaces 'adequate' with 'sufficient', indicating a similar degree of satisfactoriness but with a focus on meeting the minimum requirements.

satisfactory answer

Substitutes both 'adequate' and 'reply' with synonyms that emphasize a sense of fulfillment of expectations.

acceptable response

Uses 'acceptable' instead of 'adequate', suggesting that the reply meets the necessary standards without necessarily being outstanding.

suitable answer

Replaces 'reply' with 'answer' and 'adequate' with 'suitable', focusing on the appropriateness of the response for the given situation.

appropriate response

Similar to 'suitable answer', but emphasizes the fitting nature of the response in a specific context.

reasonable answer

Suggests that the answer is logical and justified, rather than merely satisfactory.

competent response

Focuses on the skill and ability demonstrated in the reply, implying a capable and effective answer.

serviceable response

Indicates that the response is functional and meets the basic needs, without necessarily being excellent.

passable reply

Implies the response is barely acceptable and meets the minimum requirements.

minimally acceptable answer

Emphasizes that the answer only just meets the required standard and isn't particularly good.

FAQs

What does "adequate reply" mean?

The phrase "adequate reply" refers to a response that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or need. It suggests the reply meets a minimum requirement or standard.

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

You can use "adequate reply" in a sentence like this: "The student's answer was an "adequate reply" to the teacher's question, though it could have been more detailed."

What are some alternatives to "adequate reply"?

Some alternatives to "adequate reply" include "sufficient response", "satisfactory answer", or "acceptable response".

Is there a difference between "adequate reply" and "comprehensive reply"?

Yes, while an "adequate reply" meets a minimum standard, a "comprehensive reply" provides a complete and thorough answer, going beyond basic requirements.