an adequate standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a level of quality or performance that is considered acceptable or satisfactory in a particular context. Example: "The project was evaluated based on whether it met an adequate standard of safety and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He told the BBC: "We are trying to emphasise the need for standardisation, the need for ensuring practitioners are trained adequately and the environment they practice in is of an adequate standard".

Independent

But the right to an adequate standard of living is intended to be "progressive".

The Guardian

The protections afforded to households under international human rights law are intended to ensure that an adequate standard of living is a right to be enjoyed by everyone.

The Guardian

Realising those rights is fundamental to the enjoyment of other rights, and most importantly, is central to ensuring an adequate standard of living for all.

The Guardian

Spending cuts had negatively affected the rights of disabled people to live independently, to work and to achieve an adequate standard of living, the report said.

The Guardian

"One of the purposes of Irena is to develop postgraduate curricula to be introduced everywhere with an adequate standard to overcome the education gap," Mr. Scheer said.

The New York Times

These entail the right to an adequate standard of living, including food and housing, and the right to benefit from social security.

The Guardian

There is scope for argument within those terms but, by any measure, an adequate standard of living includes the right not to be hungry.

The Guardian - Opinion

These rights comprise the right to food, the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to health and a healthy environment.

The Guardian

The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights suggests everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living including food, clothing, housing and medical care.

The Guardian

The majority felt the bill might be incompatible with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an adequate standard", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes "adequate". Ambiguity can undermine the phrase's effectiveness. Providing specific metrics or examples clarifies expectations and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate standard" when a higher level of quality or performance is genuinely expected or required. Using "adequate" when "excellent" or "superior" is more appropriate can diminish the perceived value or importance of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate standard" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to describe the required or expected level of something, often in contexts related to performance, quality, or living conditions. Ludwig examples confirm that this phrase is commonly used to set a baseline or acceptable threshold.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate standard" is a widely used phrase to denote a level of quality or performance that is satisfactory or acceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various domains, especially News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase functions to set a clear benchmark for evaluation, and while versatile, writers should be mindful of the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended nuance, selecting alternatives like "a satisfactory level" or "a sufficient grade" when appropriate. Remember to define “adequate” clearly, avoiding overstatement where excellence is expected. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate requirements and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory level

Focuses on meeting a minimum requirement or expectation.

an acceptable quality

Highlights the degree to which something meets required quality benchmarks.

a sufficient grade

Emphasizes adequacy specifically in an academic or evaluative context.

a reasonable benchmark

Implies a point of reference that is fair and justifiable.

a tolerable degree

Suggests something is barely acceptable but still passable.

a passable mark

Indicates that something barely meets requirements, often in an academic setting.

an average level

Indicates neither excelling nor failing, simply meeting the mean.

a moderate degree

Signifies a level that is neither high nor low, but comfortably in the middle.

an entry-level criterion

Specifies the basic requirements expected for someone new to a role or task.

a rudimentary measure

Emphasizes the basic or fundamental nature of the requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "an adequate standard" to describe a level of quality or performance that is acceptable or satisfactory for a specific purpose. For example: "The training program ensures that all participants reach "an adequate standard" of proficiency."

What is a good substitute for "an adequate standard"?

Alternatives to "an adequate standard" include phrases like "a satisfactory level", "an acceptable quality", or "a sufficient grade", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "an adequate standard" and "a high standard"?

"An adequate standard" implies a level that is sufficient or acceptable, while "a high standard" indicates a level that is above average or excellent. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of quality.

When is it appropriate to aim for "an adequate standard" instead of a higher one?

Aiming for "an adequate standard" is appropriate when resources are limited, the cost of achieving a higher standard is prohibitive, or the specific requirements only necessitate a basic level of quality. However, in areas concerning safety or critical performance, striving for "a high standard" is generally advisable.