an adequate reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that meets the necessary standards or requirements in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe that my response was an adequate reply to the concerns raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Whatever he asks next, I'm pretty sure I won't have an adequate reply.

The New York Times - Magazine

When the call failed to arrive, Sam Donaldson, intrepid as ever, pointed to the phone and asked Dole, "Shouldn't you have a battery in it?" To which, naturally, an adequate reply was neither required nor offered.

The New Yorker

It took me the best part of 10 years, much reading and reflection, and numerous field expeditions - to laboratories, hospitals, mines, hot air balloon clubs - plus two wonderful summers among the mathematicians and astrophysicists of Trinity College, Cambridge - to find an adequate reply.

The Guardian - Books

In these tasks, test takers take some time to make several points and to develop an adequate reply to the task prompts.

Language Testing in Asia

In contrast, whether actualist HOT theory can reply adequately to the rock objection will depend on whether or not there is an adequate reply to the problem considered in section 4, which challenges the actualist HOT theorist to say why targeting a mental state with a HOT about that state should cause the latter to 'light up' and acquire a subjective dimension or feel.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When she asks herself, "What are you?" she means what race, and she can't come up with any adequate reply.

The New York Times - Books

Similarly, perhaps, if I say that there is some past time at which George Bush is a baby, and am asked 'How do you know that it's the infant George Bush that you are talking about, rather than some other infant?', an apparently adequate reply is that I am stipulating that the past state of affairs I am talking about is one that concerns Bush (and not some other individual).

SEP

Was that an adequate response?

The New York Times - Science

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an adequate reply", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'adequate' in that situation. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity about the quality or completeness of the response.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a reply is "an adequate reply" simply because it is lengthy or detailed. Focus on whether it truly addresses the core issue and meets the necessary requirements of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate reply" functions as a noun phrase, where 'adequate' is an adjective modifying the noun 'reply'. It describes the quality or sufficiency of a response. Ludwig confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate reply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a response is sufficient or satisfactory. While Ludwig AI affirms its validity, it's important to consider the context to ensure the reply truly meets the required standards. As shown in the examples, the phrase appears across various domains, including news, science and general discussions. To broaden your vocabulary, consider alternatives like "a satisfactory response" or "a sufficient answer", but always prioritize clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory response

Replaces 'adequate' with 'satisfactory', emphasizing the fulfilling of a requirement or expectation.

a sufficient answer

Substitutes 'reply' with 'answer' and 'adequate' with 'sufficient', focusing on providing enough information.

an acceptable response

Replaces 'adequate' with 'acceptable', suggesting the response meets a minimum standard.

a fitting response

Changes 'adequate' to 'fitting,' implying the response is appropriate for the situation.

a suitable answer

Swaps 'reply' for 'answer' and 'adequate' for 'suitable', highlighting the appropriateness of the response.

a passable answer

Replaces 'adequate' with 'passable' emphasizing the answer barely meets the standard.

an effective response

Changes 'adequate' to 'effective', focusing on the response's ability to achieve a desired result.

a reasonable reply

Substitutes 'adequate' with 'reasonable', indicating the reply is logical and sensible.

an appropriate answer

Similar to 'suitable' but with a stronger emphasis on conforming to norms or expectations.

a fair response

Emphasizes impartiality and justice in the reply, differing from mere adequacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "an adequate reply" to describe a response that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular situation. For instance, "The lawyer's statement was an adequate reply to the accusations made against his client."

What are some alternatives to using "an adequate reply"?

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

When is a reply considered "an adequate reply"?

A reply is considered "an adequate reply" when it meets the minimum requirements or expectations for a given situation. It should address the core issue, provide sufficient information, and be appropriate for the context.

Is there a difference between "an adequate reply" and "a complete answer"?

Yes, while both describe a response, "an adequate reply" suggests that the response is sufficient but not necessarily exhaustive. In contrast, "a complete answer" implies that all aspects of the question have been addressed thoroughly.