an adequate length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the suitability or sufficiency of a length in various contexts, such as writing, measurements, or descriptions. Example: "The report should be an adequate length to cover all necessary details without being overly verbose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This process continues with a succession of backbone pilins, until the pilus structure reaches an adequate length, at which point further polymerization is halted.

Nature

They suggested that "growth hormone should be administered in adequate doses and for an adequate length of time to help achieve a bone mineral density within normal range".

The New York Times - Health

Few patients have an adequate length of non-dilated aorta distal to the aneurysm to allow implantation of an aorto-aortic stent graft; bifurcated stent grafts are usually required for AAA repair.

Seminars in Vascular Surgery

Step 3. WEIGHTS & GARTERS After an adequate length of skin has been stretched, an extension device can be attached in order to increase the tension on the tissue.

Vice

While you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't appreciate a quickie every now and then, science shows that women are more likely to have an orgasm if the build-up had been unhurried and of an adequate length.

Vice

In the first approach, we tested several fragment sizes of DNA sequence and we found 300 kb was an adequate length to be analyzed.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Almost all clinical guidelines recommend that following an unsuccessful adequate length single course of treatment with one or other SSRI or SNRI, treatment with an antidepressant class with a different mechanism of action should be tried (Bauer et al., 2007; NICE, 2009; APA, 2010).

Human Psychopharmacology

By harvesting the reflected attachment of the CA ligament under the acromion with a scalpel, adequate length for the transferred CA ligament can be routinely obtained.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

A needle of adequate length is used and botulinum toxin is diluted with at least 2 ml of saline solution.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Briefly, 1 ml of Nycodenz was carefully placed beneath 1 ml of the treated aerosol sample using a syringe needle with adequate length to reach the bottom of a 2-ml Eppendorf tube.

Nature

The procedure provided the patient with a residual limb of adequate length that possessed many of the advantages of a TKA.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an adequate length", consider if you can quantify or provide context for what constitutes "adequate" in your specific situation to improve clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate length" without defining what "adequate" means in the context. Without further clarification, the phrase can be subjective and open to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate length" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that a certain measurement meets the requirements or needs of a specific situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an adequate length" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is long enough to meet a specific requirement or purpose. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, shows that while the phrase is generally acceptable, it benefits from contextual clarity. Specifying what constitutes "adequate" makes the phrase more informative and less open to subjective interpretation. As summarized in the usage analysis, the phrase commonly appears in scientific and news contexts, highlighting its versatility. While perfectly valid, consider using alternatives like "a sufficient length" or "an appropriate length" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the required length

Highlights that the length meets a specific requirement or standard.

a sufficient length

Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient", emphasizing the idea of meeting a requirement.

the necessary duration

Focuses on the need of the length; specifically applied for the duration context.

an appropriate length

Substitutes "adequate" with "appropriate", highlighting suitability for a specific purpose.

a satisfactory length

Uses "satisfactory" instead of "adequate", indicating that the length meets expectations.

a long enough duration

Focuses on time instead of spatial length, expressing that something lasts as long as needed.

a considerable extent

Uses a more general term to suggest a notable amount of length or duration.

a fitting length

Implies that the length is suitable and harmonious with other elements.

a reasonable duration

Emphasizes the fairness and appropriateness of the time span.

an ample size

Shifts focus to physical size, suggesting that it's large enough.

FAQs

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

You can use "an adequate length" when describing something that needs to be long enough for a specific purpose. For example: "The rope needs to be "a sufficient length" to reach the bottom of the well."

What are some alternatives to "an adequate length"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a sufficient length", "an appropriate length", or "a satisfactory length".

Is it better to say "an adequate length" or "a sufficient length"?

Both "an adequate length" and "a sufficient length" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does "adequate" really mean in "an adequate length"?

In the phrase "an adequate length", "adequate" means that the length is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular need or purpose. It implies that the length is enough to achieve the desired result.