adequately represent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequately represent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something accurately reflects or portrays a particular idea, concept, or group. Example: "The data collected from the survey does not adequately represent the views of the entire population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is failing to adequately represent the interests of citizens".

The Guardian

Nor did the president adequately represent the situation in D.C.

The New York Times

"Commercial awareness in a global context is necessary to adequately represent clients in international transactions.

The Guardian

How, you might ask, can so few be expected to adequately represent so many?

The New York Times - Arts

It's difficult in fiction to adequately represent an individual's awareness of history.

The New Yorker

Expanding discovery will ensure that attorneys have the tools necessary to adequately represent their clients.

The New York Times

The goal is to build simple models that still adequately represent reality.

Princeton University

Can ballet dancers adequately represent Ms. Brown's work at its best?

The New York Times - Arts

The various members of the family adequately represent the regional factions of America; it's a little America within four walls.

The New Yorker

The city also contended that because the seven named plaintiffs were mentally ill, they could not adequately represent a class.

The New York Times

They city also contended that because the seven named plaintiffs were mentally ill, they could not adequately represent a class.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adequately represent" when you want to express that something meets a minimum threshold of representation. For example, 'The sample size should "adequately represent" the diversity of the population.'

Common error

Avoid using "adequately represent" when the subject provides a comprehensive or exhaustive representation. "Adequately" implies a level of sufficiency, not superiority. For instance, using the term 'perfectly represent' would be more suitable when portraying completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequately represent" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something provides a sufficient or acceptable likeness or portrayal of something else. As Ludwig highlights, it is used to assess the quality of representation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequately represent" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe whether something sufficiently portrays or reflects something else. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. While the phrase is widely accepted, it is important to consider the specific context and nuances when choosing synonyms like "sufficiently depict" or "accurately portray". Remember that using "adequately represent" implies meeting a minimum threshold, rather than a comprehensive portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently depict

Emphasizes the completeness of the portrayal, focusing on whether enough detail is provided.

properly illustrate

Highlights the correctness and clarity of the representation.

accurately portray

Focuses on the truthfulness and precision of the representation.

effectively symbolize

Stresses the impact and success of using a symbol to represent something.

fairly reflect

Indicates impartiality and justness in the representation.

satisfactorily embody

Highlights the extent to which something captures the essence of what it's meant to represent.

appropriately express

Focuses on the suitability and relevance of the way something is communicated.

convincingly demonstrate

Highlights the persuasive power of the representation.

suitably characterize

Emphasizes the aptness of the description or portrayal.

serviceably stand for

Focuses on the ability of something to function as a representation, even if not perfectly.

FAQs

How can I use "adequately represent" in a sentence?

You can use "adequately represent" to express that something provides a sufficient or acceptable representation of something else. For example, 'The model "adequately represent" the key features of the system' or 'The sample size needs to "adequately represent" the population'.

What are some alternatives to "adequately represent"?

Alternatives to "adequately represent" include "sufficiently depict", "accurately portray", or "fairly reflect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "adequately represent" or "accurately represent"?

The choice between "adequately represent" and "accurately represent" depends on the intended meaning. "Adequately represent" suggests a satisfactory level of representation, while "accurately represent" implies a higher degree of precision and correctness.

What does it mean when something doesn't "adequately represent" something else?

If something doesn't "adequately represent" something else, it means that it fails to provide a sufficient or acceptable portrayal or depiction. It suggests that the representation is incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading in some way.