an adequate number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sufficient quantity of something to meet a particular requirement or standard. Example: "In order to conduct the experiment successfully, we need to ensure that we have an adequate number of participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every town and village on the river possesess an adequate number of boats.

Cornell University

The United States does not have an adequate number of interpreters and translators who are proficient in these languages.

The New York Times

But, the report says, the federal law and regulations are "too vague" to guarantee an adequate number of employees.

The New York Times

*A Medicaid H.M.O. must have an adequate number of medical specialists to meet the needs of its members.

The New York Times

(2) The pharmaceutical service must have an adequate number of personnel to ensure quality pharmaceutical services, including emergency services.

Cornell University

These preliminary findings underscore the importance of receiving an adequate number of sessions to attain an adequate clinical response.

Stanford University

Er doping was achieved by partially covering the aluminium target with an adequate number of erbium pieces.

Surface and Coatings Technology

"The N.Y.P.D. must be exempt from any additional cuts," he said, "because without an adequate number of police officers this city is not viable for business or people.

The New York Times

Any attempt to make health care more accessible will be doomed to failure without an adequate number of primary care physicians and a strong primary care system.

The New York Times

The lack of an adequate number of homes, in fact, was a central issue of the lawsuit brought against the state in 2001.

The New York Times

The aim: if managers can predict the number of shoppers at any given time, they can ensure that there are an adequate number of staff.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an adequate number", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'adequate' to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the purpose or standard the number needs to meet.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate number" without specifying what the number is adequate for. Provide context to clarify the required level or standard. For instance, instead of saying "We need an adequate number of staff", specify "We need an adequate number of staff to cover all shifts safely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate number" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the quantity of a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes that the quantity is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. The examples highlight usage in contexts ranging from staffing levels to research participant counts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate number" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a sufficient quantity for a given purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains including science, news, and formal business settings. Its effectiveness relies on clearly defining what 'adequate' means in the context. Alternatives like "a sufficient quantity" or "enough" can be used for conciseness. While generally neutral to formal in register, it avoids ambiguity by specifying the intended purpose of the quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient quantity

Emphasizes the amount needed to meet a requirement.

a suitable amount

Highlights the appropriateness of the quantity for a specific purpose.

enough

A concise way to indicate that the quantity is sufficient.

a satisfactory count

Focuses on the number being at a level that meets expectations.

a requisite amount

Stresses that the quantity is necessary or essential.

a proper supply

Highlights having the correct amount available.

an ample supply

Emphasizes the abundance or generous quantity.

a decent measure

Implies a fair or reasonable quantity.

a fitting proportion

Suggests the quantity is balanced and appropriate for the context.

a tolerable volume

Implies the quantity is acceptable, even if not ideal.

FAQs

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

Use "an adequate number" to indicate a sufficient quantity of something is needed or present. For instance, "The study requires "an adequate number" of participants to ensure statistically significant results."

What's a more concise way to say "an adequate number"?

Depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives like "enough", "sufficient", or "plenty" to replace "an adequate number".

Which is correct, "an adequate number" or "a sufficient number"?

"An adequate number" and "a sufficient number" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that there is enough of something to meet a need or requirement.

Is "an adequate amount" the same as "an adequate number"?

While similar, "an adequate amount" is generally used for non-countable items (e.g., an adequate amount of water), whereas "an adequate number" is used for countable items (e.g., an adequate number of chairs).