but adequately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but adequately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficient or satisfactory, often in contrast to a previous statement or expectation. Example: "The project was completed on time, but adequately met the quality standards we had set."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

General McChrystal has been gently but adequately chastised, but his great experience and ability preserved.

The New York Times

This is very important if your fire pit is to retain enough heat to cook the meat gently but adequately.

The New York Times - Food

The engine is a bit noisy but adequately deals with the car's unloaded weight of about 3,100 pounds.

The New York Times

Groups should divide their poster board into four quadrants and in each, succinctly but adequately answer the questions they just researched.

The New York Times

"The Brooklyn Bridges," he said, adding a phrase that rendered impossible the publication of his complete remarks but adequately conveyed his distaste for the whole matter.

The New York Times - Sports

A simple chemical mechanism is proposed which has a limited number of rate parameters but adequately represents the observed results.

Combustion and Flame

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Included those who lived in extremely poor neighborhoods, but were adequately insured or those who lived in less poor neighborhoods, but were inadequately insured.

BMC Health Services Research

"I mean, you can judge the player, but not adequately.

The New York Times - Sports

These are strong words, but not adequately strong.

The New Yorker

But any adequately filtered telescope can be safely turned into a coronagraph, NASA suggests, simply by taking it to observe a total solar eclipse.

The New York Times - Science

Connelly scrupulously displays a hundred years of family planners' dirty laundry, but without adequately emphasizing that we are far better off for their efforts.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but adequately" to introduce a contrast where the second part acknowledges a limitation or reservation while affirming a satisfactory level. This can add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but adequately" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "however sufficiently" or "nevertheless appropriately."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but adequately" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which an action is performed or a condition is met. Ludwig examples show it's often used to qualify a previous statement, introducing a contrast or reservation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but adequately" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express sufficiency despite a potential limitation. Ludwig indicates the phrase is suitable for neutral to informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media sources. While "but adequately" is a functional phrase, writers should consider the specific nuance they wish to convey and choose the most appropriate synonym, like "but sufficiently" or "but acceptably", for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but sufficiently

Replaces "adequately" with "sufficiently", emphasizing a satisfactory level.

but acceptably

Substitutes "adequately" with "acceptably", focusing on the permissibility of the situation.

but suitably

Uses "suitably" instead of "adequately", stressing the appropriateness of the action or result.

yet sufficiently

Replaces "but" with "yet", maintaining the contrast while using "sufficiently".

though adequately

Swaps "but" for "though", offering a slightly more formal tone.

however adequately

Replaces "but" with "however", adding a stronger sense of contrast.

but justly

Replaces adequately to justly in cases where fairness is more relevant than competence

but competently

Replaces adequately to competently in cases where competence is relevant

but serviceably

Offers an alternative to highlight functionality

but fairly well

It replaces adequately to indicate something performs above average.

FAQs

How can I use "but adequately" in a sentence?

Use "but adequately" to show a contrast where something meets the minimum requirements or expectations. For example: "The budget was tight, but adequately covered the essential expenses."

What are some alternatives to "but adequately"?

Consider using alternatives such as "but sufficiently", "but acceptably", or "but suitably" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "but adequately" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but adequately" might sound less polished in very formal contexts. Alternatives like "however sufficiently" or "nevertheless appropriately" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "but adequately" and "but perfectly"?

"But adequately" indicates something meets a minimum standard, while "but perfectly" suggests something is flawless. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight sufficiency or flawlessness.