he is adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone as being satisfactory or acceptable in a particular role or situation, though it may imply a lack of excellence. Example: "In his role as a team member, he is adequate, completing tasks on time but not going above and beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Defensively, he is "adequate", and possesses a relatively strong and accurate arm.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's adequate but has too much of a tendency to play tall and get overpowered.

The New York Times

"It was," says Keneally sweetly, "a splendid validation for an amputee lover to know that he was adequate to a queen, even a deposed one".

The Guardian - Books

He was adequate playing opposite Virginia Mayo, in The Girl From Jones Beach (1949) and She's Working Her Way Through College (1952), but had slightly more gravitas as a district attorney prosecuting the Ku Klux Klan in Storm Warning (1951).

The Guardian

There were rumors of moving him to outside linebacker, not because he's a liability in coverage (he's adequate in that area) but because he's so stout.

The New York Times

(Avoiding stop-overs and hot times of day are important, he notes, as is adequate air-conditioning).

The New York Times

At a press conference, Mr Birch took complete responsibility for the security arrangements in the town but he insisted that they were adequate.

The Guardian

If the Administrator finds the State procedure is adequate, he may delegate to such State any authority he has to carry out this section.

Cornell University

"A reasonable person could go either way on whether it is adequate," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Bush has "no complaints," said the White House spokesman, Marlin Fitzwater, adding: "He thinks his pay is adequate.

The New York Times

But he says this package is "adequate" because of the five guiding principles contained in the declaration made by the house of bishops in last November's vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is adequate" when you want to convey that someone meets the basic requirements or expectations, but without implying excellence. It's a neutral term that avoids both excessive praise and criticism.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "he is adequate" when more precise descriptors are available. For instance, instead of stating "his skills are adequate", consider specifying "his skills are proficient in data analysis" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is adequate" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that someone meets a basic level of requirement or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is adequate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone or something that meets a basic level of requirement or expectation. As Ludwig AI states, it's a phrase that's correct and usable in written English. While it doesn't convey excellence, it's a neutral term suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Consider using stronger or more specific alternatives, like "he is sufficient" or "he is competent", when a more precise assessment is needed. Remember to avoid overusing it as a replacement for more descriptive terms to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is sufficient

Emphasizes that he meets the basic requirements or needs, implying a lack of excess.

he is competent

Focuses on his ability to perform tasks effectively, suggesting a level of skill and proficiency.

he is satisfactory

Highlights that he fulfills expectations or requirements, suggesting a sense of fulfillment or contentment.

he is acceptable

Stresses that he meets a minimum standard or requirement, implying agreement or approval.

he is passable

Indicates that his performance or quality is barely acceptable, with a slightly negative connotation.

he is up to par

Suggests that he meets a specific standard or level of performance, often in a particular field or activity.

he is average

Indicates that he is at a typical or normal level, without being exceptional or deficient.

he is fair

Implies that his performance or quality is reasonable or just, without being outstanding.

he gets by

Suggests that he manages to cope or survive, often with difficulty or limited resources.

he scrapes through

Indicates that he barely succeeds or passes, often with luck or minimal effort.

FAQs

How can I use "he is adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "he is adequate" to describe someone's performance or ability as meeting the minimum requirements, as in, "Although he's new to the team, "he is adequate" for the tasks assigned to him." It suggests a satisfactory, but not exceptional, level of competence.

What's a stronger alternative to "he is adequate"?

If you want to express a higher level of competence or skill, consider alternatives such as "he is proficient", "he is skilled", or "he is expert". These options convey a greater degree of mastery and accomplishment.

Is "he is adequate" a polite way to describe someone's performance?

While not impolite, "he is adequate" can sound somewhat lukewarm. Depending on the context, consider softening it with phrases like "he is adequate enough for the role" or focusing on specific strengths to provide a more balanced assessment.

What's the difference between "he is adequate" and "he is sufficient"?

While both terms imply meeting a minimum standard, "he is sufficient" emphasizes meeting a specific need or purpose, whereas "he is adequate" focuses more on the general quality or ability. For instance, "his explanation is sufficient to clarify the issue" versus "his skills are adequate for the job".