better than adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exceeds a basic level of sufficiency or quality. Example: "The service at the restaurant was better than adequate, making our dining experience enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I stayed in the Egnatia Hotel (30-26510-25667) and found it better than adequate.

The New York Times - Travel

THE BAR -- The moderately priced wine list is better than adequate, with thumbnail descriptions to guide selection and wine specials.

The New York Times

The recorded sound is better than adequate, and the audience is quiet but for the applause, which seems almost irreverent in the altered circumstances.

The New York Times

The 3.5 SE performed much the same, with one crucial difference: where the 2.5-liter engine is better than adequate, the smooth 3.5-liter V-6 is a little bit o' heaven.

The New York Times

Silver Cycling, track Form guide Dipped slightly before the world championships but still better than adequate, given that he took a gold in the keirin and bronze in the match sprint.

The Guardian - Sport

Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, urging the court to uphold that ruling, argued that procedures provided by the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 and the Military Commissions Act of 2006 were better than adequate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The vegetarian meat I ate in The Hague isn't widely distributed, but Quorn, a mushroom-based product, can be pretty appealing in some instances, Gardein has made some advances in soy-based products and at least one new product is a better-than-adequate substitute for chicken in things like wraps, salads and sauces.

The New York Times

When Model 3 was tested (i.e., without those nine questions), the fit achieved adequate or better-than-adequate values as described in Table  4.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Going on that ride was not my idea, not that the fast-food lunches were better than merely adequate.

The New York Times - Travel

Unlike in the arid west, where vine growth is limited by scant moisture, grape vines in the Northeast run rampant, fueled by our better soils and more-than-adequate rainfall.

Cornell University

Similarly, the calibration is also adequate, better than the CHD risk score[ 9]but poorer than the all-cause mortality risk score [ 10].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better than adequate" when you want to convey that something not only meets the minimum requirements but also offers something extra in terms of quality, performance, or suitability.

Common error

While "better than adequate" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "superior" or "excellent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than adequate" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's quality or performance exceeds the basic requirement of being merely "adequate". Ludwig AI confirms that it’s correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better than adequate" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates something surpasses a basic level of sufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while its frequency is uncommon, it is found in various contexts like news, science and formal settings. To enhance writing, consider using it to convey a positive assessment without being overly formal, or explore alternatives like "more than sufficient" or "above average". When in doubt, maintain clarity and context-appropriateness to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More than sufficient

Implies a greater degree of surplus or excess compared to "better than adequate".

Beyond satisfactory

Focuses on exceeding a level of mere satisfaction, indicating a higher degree of quality.

Above average

Focuses on exceeding a typical or expected level, rather than simply being adequate.

Superior to expectations

Highlights exceeding anticipated performance or quality.

Exceeding requirements

Specifically emphasizes surpassing necessary or stipulated criteria.

Remarkably good

Emphasizes the positive quality, suggesting it is noteworthy or exceptional.

Passing with flying colors

Suggests not just meeting, but significantly surpassing a required standard, adding a touch of enthusiasm.

A cut above

Implies a noticeable difference in quality or performance, suggesting distinction.

First-rate

Highlights high quality and excellence.

Top-notch

Synonymous with first-rate, emphasizing premium quality.

FAQs

How can I use "better than adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "better than adequate" to describe something that exceeds a basic level of sufficiency or quality, such as "The service was "better than adequate", making the experience enjoyable."

What are some alternatives to saying "better than adequate"?

Alternatives include "more than sufficient", "above average", or "exceeding expectations" depending on the context.

Is "better than adequate" formal or informal?

"Better than adequate" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal options like "superior" or "exceptional" may be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "adequate" and "better than adequate"?

"Adequate" means meeting the minimum requirements, while "better than adequate" implies that something surpasses those basic requirements, offering something additional or of higher quality. Thus "better than adequate" is not just acceptable, it is good.