are adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that meets a certain standard or requirement. Example: "The resources provided for the project are adequate to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Words are adequate.

The Guardian - Books

My clothes are adequate.

The New York Times

Side dishes are adequate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

None of these arguments are adequate.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are adequate protections for ranchers.

The New York Times

Proponents of other, less invasive, techniques say they are adequate.

The New York Times - Travel

Children services are "adequate", adult social services "excellent".

The Guardian

Buckwheat hulls are adequate and attractive in flower beds.

The New York Times

The CDC is urgently reviewing whether its procedures are adequate.

The Guardian

The videos are adequate, if slightly less than professional quality.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But her approach is opposed even by some antitobacco groups, who say existing laws are adequate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives like "are excellent" or "are outstanding" if the situation warrants a more emphatic description of sufficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "are adequate" when the situation demands more than just meeting a basic requirement. Overusing it can imply a lack of ambition or excellence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are adequate" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI highlights, it asserts that something meets a specific requirement or standard. It appears frequently in sentences where evaluation or assessment is involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are adequate" is a frequently used phrase that conveys that something meets a certain requirement or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academia. While it doesn't carry strong positive or negative connotations, it's essential to ensure that the context aligns with the intended message, and stronger alternatives may be more appropriate when something exceeds expectations. Remember to be specific about what is being deemed adequate to avoid ambiguity, and consider stronger alternatives where something is more than satisfactory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sufficient

Emphasizes that something meets the minimum requirement or need.

are satisfactory

Indicates that something meets expectations and is acceptable.

are acceptable

Highlights that something is permissible or meets a standard.

are suitable

Focuses on the appropriateness of something for a particular purpose.

are ample

Suggests that there is more than enough of something.

are competent

Implies a level of skill or ability that meets the required standard.

are equal to the task

Focuses on the ability to handle a specific challenge or responsibility.

measure up

An idiomatic way of saying something meets the required standard.

pass muster

An idiomatic way of saying something passes inspection or is approved.

make the grade

Implies that something is good enough to meet a particular standard or requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "are adequate" in a sentence?

The phrase "are adequate" is used to express that something meets a certain requirement or standard. For example, "The safety measures "are adequate" to protect the workers."

What are some alternatives to "are adequate"?

Some alternatives to "are adequate" include "are sufficient", "are satisfactory", and "are acceptable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are adequate" instead of stronger terms like "are excellent"?

Use "are adequate" when you want to express that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations, but not necessarily exceeds them. If something is exceptional, stronger terms are more appropriate.

Is there a negative connotation to using the phrase "are adequate"?

The phrase "are adequate" doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation, but it can sometimes imply that something is just 'good enough' and not exceptional. Consider the context and your intended message when choosing this phrase.