are adequate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are adequate to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose or requirement. Example: "The resources we have are adequate to meet the project's demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Business groups often argue that existing laws are adequate to protect workers.

The New York Times - Health

The tests assess if capital reserves are adequate to withstand a severe downturn.

The Economist

Karl Anton Rickenbacher's accounts from 1986 and 1997 with German radio orchestras are adequate to the modest task.

The New York Times

Smith said on Thursday: "Our firm view is that existing regulations are adequate to ensure that fracking operations happen safely.

The Guardian

"U.S. defenses in the region are adequate to defend against an Iranian aggression or missile tests," he said.

The New Yorker

No words are adequate to express how much she will be missed by all who knew her.

The New York Times

The crackdown on steroid products sold as supplements raises the question of whether regulations governing dietary supplements are adequate to protect consumers from companies that flout the law.

The New York Times

They say that current regulations are adequate to protect human health, and that the doses of atrazine coming through people's taps are safe — even when concentrations jump.

The New York Times

ACCI's chief executive, James Pearson, said: "In those cases where workers are exploited, the existing laws are adequate to penalise offenders.

The Guardian

The upshot is that Ipso has launched a review into whether its regulations are adequate to deal with complaints against global publishers.

The Guardian

Several have said they do not believe the changes Microsoft is proposing -- even if they are clearly delineated and easily enforceable -- are adequate to solve the problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are adequate to", ensure the context clearly defines what standard or requirement is being met. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are adequate to" when a higher level of performance or suitability is required. Using it in contexts where 'exceptional' or 'superior' is more appropriate can undermine the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are adequate to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used to assess whether something meets a certain standard or requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are adequate to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate sufficiency or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears frequently in science, news, and business contexts, with a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, specify the standard or requirement being met when using this phrase. While versatile, avoid overstating adequacy when a higher level of performance is needed. Related phrases include "are sufficient for" and "are enough for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sufficient for

Replaces 'adequate' with 'sufficient', emphasizing the idea of meeting a requirement or need.

are enough for

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of meeting a basic requirement.

are suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

are fit for

Highlights the appropriateness of something for a specific role or task.

are capable of

Focuses on the ability to perform a specific function or task.

are competent to

Stresses the capacity and skill to handle something effectively.

are qualified for

Emphasizes the possession of necessary qualifications or skills.

are equal to

Indicates that something is on par with or matches a specific standard.

meet the needs of

Focuses on satisfying specific requirements or demands.

are up to

A more informal way of saying something is capable or sufficient.

FAQs

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

You can use "are adequate to" to indicate that something is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. For example, "The funds "are adequate to" cover the expenses."

What phrases can I use instead of "are adequate to"?

Alternatives include "are sufficient for", "are enough for", or "are capable of", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are adequate to" instead of "are superior to"?

"Are adequate to" implies meeting a minimum requirement, while "are superior to" suggests exceeding expectations. Use "are adequate to" when basic needs are met, and reserve "are superior to" for instances of exceptional performance.

Is it correct to say "is adequate to" instead of "are adequate to"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is adequate to" with singular subjects (e.g., "The budget is adequate to cover costs") and "are adequate to" with plural subjects (e.g., "The resources "are adequate to" meet the demands").