adequate to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether something is sufficient or satisfactory for providing an explanation. Example: "The evidence presented was adequate to explain the phenomenon observed in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Conditioning theories are not wholly adequate to explain school learning, since the learner is not simply a responder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not adequate to explain the overall economic impact of injury on households.

Health Economics Review

FTS mechanisms proposed in the recent literature seem adequate to explain qualitatively the composition forcing experiments.

Catalysis Today

Many pantheists argue that physical conceptions are adequate to explain the entire cosmos.

SEP

The constructed models were adequate to explain the relationships between independent variables and responses.

Carbohydrate Polymers

(7) The abovementioned eight points are adequate to explain the electrical conduction through disordered macromolecule but not to DNA.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The current concept of fidelity is under debate 10264344 44 and may not be adequate enough to explain the fidelity practiced in interprofessional simulation.

BMJ Open

I end with a brief review of adaptive functions proposed for music, concluding that no one selective force (e.g., sexual selection) is adequate to explaining all aspects of human music.

Cognition

Many leading authorities on religion and ritual have taken this approach as the most adequate way to explain rituals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But business groups say that the proposed changes would deny employers adequate time to explain to workers the disadvantages of a union.

The New York Times

These statistics indicate that the LGEW regression model is the most adequate model to explain the data.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate to explain", ensure that the subject you're describing truly provides a sufficient explanation, not just a partial one.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate to explain" when the subject only offers a superficial or incomplete explanation. Be precise about the extent to which something explains a phenomenon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate to explain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or concept, indicating that something is sufficient to provide a reason or understanding for a given phenomenon. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis of example sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

88%

Encyclopedias

8%

News & Media

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adequate to explain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. According to Ludwig, it serves to assess whether a concept or piece of evidence sufficiently clarifies a subject. While other phrases can substitute for it, it's essential to use it when you want to highlight that something offers a comprehensive and sufficient understanding. The phrase sees frequent use in scientific literature. Remember to avoid overstating the explanatory power of something. The analyzed examples show its broad applicability while stressing the need for accuracy in asserting the comprehensiveness of an explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient to account for

Replaces "explain" with "account for", implying a comprehensive justification.

enough to elucidate

Substitutes "adequate" with "enough" and "explain" with "elucidate", emphasizing clarity.

capable of justifying

Focuses on the ability to provide a rationale or defense.

able to clarify

Highlights the potential to make something clearer and more understandable.

serves as an explanation for

Rephrases as a function or role of providing understanding.

provides a rationale for

Emphasizes the provision of reasons or justifications.

offers an explanation of

Highlights the act of presenting an explanation.

gives insight into

Shifts the focus to providing understanding or perspective.

sheds light on

Uses a metaphor to convey clarification or understanding.

helps to understand

Focuses on aiding comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "adequate to explain" in a sentence?

Use "adequate to explain" when you want to express that something is sufficient to provide an understanding of a particular phenomenon or situation. For instance, "The data collected was "adequate to explain" the results of the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "adequate to explain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sufficient to account for", "enough to elucidate", or "capable of justifying".

When is it appropriate to use "adequate to explain" versus "necessary to explain"?

"Adequate to explain" implies sufficiency, whereas "necessary to explain" implies essentiality. Use "adequate" when something sufficiently clarifies a matter and "necessary" when something is absolutely required for understanding.

Is "sufficient to explain" a better phrase than "adequate to explain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between "sufficient to explain" and "adequate to explain" often comes down to personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Sufficient" may imply a higher degree of completeness, but both are generally interchangeable.