adequate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate with" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when discussing someone's proficiency or comfort level with a particular skill or subject. Example: "She is adequate with basic programming languages, but she still needs to improve her skills."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Acceleration was adequate with three people on board and no cargo in the bed.

The New York Times

The bathroom is also spartan but adequate, with a large sink and stall shower.

The New York Times - Travel

The trunk was adequate, with space for a pair of golf bags.

The New York Times

And the company's capital position looks adequate with more than £3bn economic capital surplus.

The Guardian - Business

Braking is adequate, with dual Brembo discs up front and a single disc in the rear.

The New York Times

THE BAR -- The moderately priced wine list is better than adequate, with thumbnail descriptions to guide selection and wine specials.

The New York Times

A judge has now ruled that this settlement was adequate, with one or two tweaks.

The Economist

Precipitation is frequent and often more than adequate, with annual totals averaging 55 inches (1,385 mm) for the country as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was adequate, with a cakelike texture, but its main assets were two peppy dips, one of cardamom-flecked coconut, the other of tart and sour tamarind.

The New York Times

Consider them a companion to my review yesterday, which covered the big points like the touch-screen keyboard (adequate with practice), the AT&T Internet network (painfully slow) and the iPhone's overall character (fun, powerful, amazing).

The New York Times - Tech

According to this latest plan, EU authorities will carry out an inspection of Greece's borders in mid April to determine whether controls are adequate, with a final decision on Greece's place in Schengen to be taken in May.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate with", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is adequate for. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate with" when a stronger term like "proficient" or "expert" is more accurate. Overstating adequacy can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate with" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a satisfactory or acceptable level of ability, resources, or conditions. It implies that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI indicates that while acceptable, the phrase might sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate with" is used to describe something that meets a minimum requirement or expectation, often implying 'good enough' rather than exceptional. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI notes it can sometimes sound awkward. It's most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a formal or professional register. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using alternatives like "sufficient in" or "competent in", especially in professional settings. When using "adequate with", ensure the context clarifies what is being deemed adequate to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient in

Implies a standard has been met, focusing on the fulfillment of a requirement rather than an accompaniment.

competent in

Focuses on skill or ability, shifting the emphasis from adequacy to proficiency.

capable of

Highlights potential or ability to perform a task, differing slightly from current adequacy.

proficient in

Suggests a higher level of skill than "adequate with", indicating mastery.

suitable for

Emphasizes appropriateness for a specific purpose, diverging from general adequacy.

prepared for

Highlights readiness, focusing on anticipation rather than current state.

equipped for

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources, rather than inherent ability.

equal to

Suggests equivalence, contrasting with the 'just enough' implication of "adequate with".

good enough for

An informal way of saying adequate, but implying acceptance of lower quality.

up to par with

Suggests meeting a standard or expectation, differing slightly from simple adequacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate with" to describe a skill or resource that is sufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "His knowledge of the subject is adequate with the requirements for the entry-level position."

What can I say instead of "adequate with"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficient in", "competent in", or "capable of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "adequate for" or "adequate with"?

While both can be used, "adequate for" is generally more common and widely accepted. "Adequate with" is less conventional but can be suitable when describing a combination of factors.

Which is correct, "adequate with" or "sufficient with"?

"Adequate with" and "sufficient with" are not as common as alternatives like "adequate for" or "sufficient for". The choice depends on the context, but "adequate with" may sometimes sound less natural.