an adequate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the sufficiency or appropriateness of a response to a question or problem. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe that the explanation provided was an adequate answer to the concerns raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

To your Q: "If magnesium aided for protecting hearing or reducing loss of hearing in those exposed to impulse noise, how come there is not much data on use in hearing loss outside those in this setting?" An excellent question to which we do not have an adequate answer.

F1000Research

But that isn't an adequate answer.

The New York Times

Few think that is an adequate answer.

The Economist

But it is not an adequate answer.

The Economist

"I don't have an adequate answer to that".

The New York Times

Many of those do not have an adequate answer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I am embarrassed that I didn't realize that his question was a prelude to an indictment, but it strikes me as both a perfectly adequate answer and a morally adequate life choice.

HuffPost

I thought it was supposed to be sacred". That was 2½ years ago, and it's taken me 2½ years to come up with a remotely adequate answer to that.

Harvard University

Paradoxically, Arendt's work, as a whole, provided no adequate answer to the question of whether thinking could prevent evil.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Milton Friedman had stated the complete and adequate answer over a decade before, in Inflation Causes and Consequences, (1963): "Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". And notwithstanding Friedman's late life distancing from monetarism, no serious thinker now repudiates this observation, one that is as fundamentally true as the law of gravity.

Forbes

"And we haven't found an adequate journalistic answer to deal with global issues".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an adequate answer" when you want to convey that a response meets the minimum requirements but may not be exceptional or exhaustive.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate answer" when the situation requires an outstanding or comprehensive response. In those cases, opt for stronger terms like "a complete solution" or "a thorough explanation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate answer" functions as a noun phrase, where 'adequate' modifies the noun 'answer'. It indicates a response that meets a minimum level of acceptability or sufficiency. Ludwig's examples show it used to evaluate responses, solutions, and explanations across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an adequate answer" signifies that a response is sufficient or meets a minimum requirement, but may not be exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly news and media, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "a satisfactory response" or "a sufficient explanation" can be used depending on the context, it's essential to consider whether a more comprehensive or detailed response is needed. When using "an adequate answer", ensure it genuinely reflects the sufficiency of the response without overstating its quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory response

Emphasizes the acceptance and fulfillment of requirements more strongly.

a sufficient explanation

Highlights the clarity and completeness of the provided details.

an acceptable reply

Focuses on the agreement and approval of the given answer.

a fitting solution

Indicates a well-suited and appropriate resolution to a problem.

a valid justification

Stresses the legitimacy and defensibility of the response.

a reasonable clarification

Implies a logical and understandable elaboration on a topic.

an appropriate resolution

Highlights the suitability and correctness of the outcome.

a convincing argument

Emphasizes the persuasive nature of the presented reasoning.

a comprehensive account

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the information.

a substantive response

Indicates that the answer is meaningful and addresses the key issues.

FAQs

How can I use "an adequate answer" in a sentence?

You can use "an adequate answer" to describe a response that is sufficient but not necessarily exceptional, such as "The student's response was "an adequate answer", but it lacked depth".

What can I say instead of "an adequate answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a satisfactory response", "a sufficient explanation", or "an acceptable reply" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to provide "an adequate answer" or a comprehensive one?

It depends on the situation. "An adequate answer" meets the basic requirements, while a comprehensive one goes above and beyond. Choose the level of detail that best suits the needs of the audience and the complexity of the issue.

When is "an adequate answer" not enough?

"An adequate answer" might not be sufficient when dealing with critical issues, complex problems, or situations where thoroughness and precision are paramount. In such cases, a more detailed and comprehensive response is necessary.