adequate response

USAGE SUMMARY

"adequate response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used to describe a reaction or answer that is considered suitable based on the specific context.
For example, "The customer service representative's adequate response alleviated my concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the absence of an adequate response, the regime must be held responsible.

The Washington Post

That's not an adequate response".

The Guardian

Was that an adequate response?

The New York Times - Science

"I told you so" doesn't feel like an adequate response.

The Guardian

The league struggled to find an adequate response.

The New York Times - Sports

But they have struggled to formulate an adequate response.

The New York Times

"We haven't gotten an adequate response," he said.

The New York Times - Health

This is a free, democratic society's notion of an adequate response.

The New Yorker

I thought she apologized and gave what she thought was an adequate response and is believable".

The New York Times

"This guidance is not an adequate response to the crisis of racial profiling in America".

The Guardian

Because by then, good-faith centrism did not seem anything like an adequate response.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adequate response" to convey that a reaction or answer meets a necessary threshold without necessarily being exceptional. It implies sufficiency, not superiority.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate response" when the situation calls for an outstanding or exceptional reaction. "Adequate" suggests just meeting the minimum requirements, so opt for terms like "excellent resolution" or "exceptional handling" when a higher level of performance is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "response". It describes a reaction, answer, or action that is sufficient or acceptable for a given situation. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts where a suitable reaction is needed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate response" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a reaction or answer that meets the necessary requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While the register is generally neutral, its presence in academic and professional sources suggests a level of formality. Related phrases include "sufficient answer" and "satisfactory reply", offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the situation's needs, as it implies sufficiency rather than excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient answer

Replaces 'response' with 'answer', focusing on the content provided rather than the action of responding; it has a very slight difference in nuance.

satisfactory reply

Substitutes both 'adequate' and 'response' with synonyms, offering a more informal tone.

acceptable reaction

Emphasizes the acceptance of the reaction, implying it meets a certain standard or expectation; focuses on behavior.

appropriate measure

Shifts the focus to an action taken that is considered suitable for the situation, rather than a verbal or written response.

suitable solution

Implies that the response resolves a problem or addresses a need, focusing on resolution.

fitting resolution

Focuses on the conclusion or outcome of a situation, suggesting the response brought about a congruent settlement.

proper action

Highlights the correctness or appropriateness of the action taken, rather than a reply.

effective countermeasure

Suggests the response is designed to negate or mitigate a specific threat or problem, focusing on defensive actions.

competent handling

Emphasizes the skill and proficiency in managing a situation, moving away from the idea of a direct response.

a fair comeback

Offers a competitive, retaliatory connotation of 'response', implying reciprocal action that is just and reasonable.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate response" to describe a reaction that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular situation. For example: "The company's statement was an "adequate response" to the public's concerns."

What's the difference between "adequate response" and "sufficient answer"?

"Adequate response" refers to the overall reaction or reply to a situation, whereas "sufficient answer" specifically relates to providing enough information or clarification to address a question or concern.

What can I say instead of "adequate response"?

You can use alternatives such as "satisfactory reply", "acceptable reaction", or "appropriate measure", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "adequate response"?

Use "adequate response" when you want to convey that a reaction or solution meets the minimum requirements or expectations for a given situation, without necessarily being exceptional or outstanding. It is suitable when sufficiency is the primary concern.