is adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something meets the necessary requirements or standards. Example: "The solution provided is adequate for addressing the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I hope this is adequate.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, neither is adequate.

Harvard University

There is adequate water supply.

The New York Times

MR. CASSELL -- That is adequate.

The New York Times

"Generally speaking, just the one is adequate".

Independent

His health is adequate, not robust.

The Economist

Nevertheless, for most purposes reproduction is adequate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its value for money is "adequate".

The Guardian

It is "adequate" yearly progress, not "annual".

The New York Times

Neither form of information is adequate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blockbuster is adequate for new releases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is adequate", ensure the context clearly defines what standard or requirement is being met. Avoid vague statements where the criteria for adequacy are unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "is adequate" when a stronger term like "excellent" or "optimal" is more appropriate. Overusing "adequate" can suggest a lack of enthusiasm or high standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is adequate" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something meets a certain requirement or standard, as supported by Ludwig. It is used to express a degree of sufficiency, suitability, or acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is adequate" is a common phrase used to express that something meets a necessary requirement or standard. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While it conveys sufficiency, it might not always imply excellence, so choosing stronger terms may be appropriate depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of the context to ensure the degree of adequacy is clearly understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficient

Replaces "adequate" with a synonym that also implies meeting a requirement.

is enough

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express that something meets the necessary level.

is acceptable

Indicates that something meets a minimum standard or requirement.

is satisfactory

Implies that something meets expectations and is good enough.

meets the requirements

More explicitly states that the necessary criteria are fulfilled.

is suitable

Suggests that something is appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

suffices

A more formal way to indicate that something is enough.

is passable

Indicates something barely meets requirements, implying a lower standard.

measures up

An idiomatic way of saying something reaches the necessary standard.

is competent

Suggests a basic level of skill or ability is present and acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "is adequate" to indicate that something meets a minimum requirement or standard. For example, "The funding for the project "is adequate" to cover the initial expenses".

What can I say instead of "is adequate"?

You can use alternatives like "is sufficient", "is enough", or "is acceptable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is adequate" or "is adequately"?

"Is adequate" is correct when "adequate" functions as an adjective describing the subject. "Is adequately" would be used when modifying a verb, for example, "is adequately prepared".

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

While both terms indicate something meets a requirement, "is sufficient" often implies a higher degree of meeting the need, whereas ""is adequate"" can suggest just barely meeting the requirement.