function adequately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function adequately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something working or behaving as expected or required. For example, "The computer was able to function adequately after the software update."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some inmates appear to function adequately in solitary confinement or even say they prefer it.

The New York Times

Congestive heart failure the effects of the heart's inability to function adequately as a pump may develop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transplanted human kidneys function adequately despite the lack of any nerve supply and so renal nerves are not essential.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The country's municipal and health services, lacking the funds and supplies to function adequately, rapidly deteriorated; this fueled a deadly cholera epidemic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In April 1969 Cooley observed that the heart of a 47-year-old patient would not function adequately after he removed a section of diseased heart muscle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"However, in my studied opinion, based upon the results of the range of tests and analyses described above, she does not yet have sufficient English language proficiency to function adequately as an elected City Council member".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Murray's serve functioned adequately from a 58percentnt efficiency rate, and he struck 28 clean winners.

The Guardian - Sport

They also point out that the court will not intervene where a domestic legal system is functioning adequately.

The Economist

Our crime is to be alive and well, living in our own homes, cheerful and still functioning adequately, drinking and eating what we like.

Independent

So in the absence of the people and money needed to perform the agency's functions adequately today, Dr. Hamburg has proposed creating "global coalitions of regulators dedicated to building and strengthening the product safety net around the world," the report states.

The New York Times - Health

If the aim of functionalism is to explain why rituals are present in a society, it will be necessary to clarify such terms as need, maintenance, and a society functioning adequately, and this becomes crucial if they are to be taken as empirical terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function adequately", ensure the context clearly defines what 'adequate' performance entails. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "function adequately" when the intention is to describe exceptional performance. The phrase implies a satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding, level of operation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function adequately" typically serves as a verb phrase modifier, specifying the manner in which something operates or performs. As Ludwig AI points out, it generally describes a satisfactory or acceptable level of performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "function adequately" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating that something operates to a satisfactory level. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a relatively neutral tone suitable for various forms of communication. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey; if the subject performs above expectations, other phrases would be more appropriate. When something "functions adequately", it meets the requirements and the intent is to assess if something is working as expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform sufficiently

Uses "perform" instead of "function", and "sufficiently" instead of "adequately".

operate properly

Replaces "function" with "operate" and "adequately" with "properly".

work acceptably

Substitutes "function" with "work" and "adequately" with "acceptably".

serve its purpose

Expresses the idea of fulfilling the required function.

meet the requirements

Focuses on fulfilling specific requirements rather than general functionality.

be up to par

An idiomatic expression indicating that something meets the expected standard.

suffice

A concise way of saying something is enough or adequate.

be good enough

A more informal way of expressing adequacy.

do the trick

An idiomatic phrase meaning to achieve the desired result.

get by

Suggests just barely meeting the minimum requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "function adequately" to describe something that is working or performing to a satisfactory level. For example, "The software needs updates to "function adequately"".

What are some alternatives to "function adequately"?

Alternatives include "perform sufficiently", "operate properly", or "work acceptably", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "function adequately" or "function properly"?

"Function properly" and "function adequately" are quite similar, but "function properly" suggests conforming to a standard, whereas "function adequately" implies meeting a certain need or requirement.

What does it mean when something "functions adequately"?

It means that something is working well enough to meet the required standard or to fulfill its intended purpose, even if it's not performing at its absolute best.