is adequate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is adequate to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficient or meets a certain standard or requirement. Example: "The funding provided is adequate to cover the project's expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Precipitation is adequate to abundant, with a summer maximum.

Britannica

But nobody pretends it is adequate to the onrushing disaster.

The New York Times

Secondary PRS is adequate to remove decay heat after DEC.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Now the question is whether Mr. Bush's plan is adequate to support the science.

The New York Times

But none of these explanations is adequate to the current situation.

The New Yorker

Officially, the administration insists that the plan is adequate to the economy's need.

The New York Times

The first is to describe the event in a way that is adequate to its exceptionality.

The New Yorker

But what is adequate to you might not be adequate to me.

The Guardian

But the company's cash flow is adequate to handle it, she said.

The New York Times

There will be plenty for everyone and my style is adequate to that.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Questions focused on how physicians determine whether communication is adequate to proceed unaided.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is adequate to", ensure the context clearly defines what standard or requirement is being met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is adequate to" when "is exceptional for" or "exceeds expectations in" is more accurate. Inflating the level of suitability can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is adequate to" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by asserting that it meets a certain standard or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is adequate to" correctly indicates that something meets a specific need or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While synonyms like "is sufficient for" or "is enough for" exist, choosing "is adequate to" depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the standards being met and avoid overstating the level of suitability. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficient for

Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient", offering a direct synonym focusing on the meeting of a need or requirement.

is enough for

Uses "enough" to convey the idea that something meets the necessary level or quantity.

is suitable for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or fitness of something for a specific purpose.

is capable of

Shifts the focus to the potential or ability of something to fulfill a task or requirement.

is fit for

Similar to "suitable for", but can imply a more inherent or natural compatibility.

measures up to

Suggests that something meets a certain standard or expectation, often after scrutiny.

is up to par with

Implies that something meets a specific level of quality or performance, often in comparison to others.

is on a par with

Suggests that something is at the same level of quality or achievement as another.

can handle

Focuses on the ability of something to manage or deal with a particular situation or demand.

is equal to

Implies that something has the same value, effect, or importance as something else.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is adequate to" indicates that something is sufficient or meets a specific requirement. For example, "The budget "is adequate to" cover the project costs."

What are some alternatives to "is adequate to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is sufficient for", "is enough for", or "is capable of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is adequate to" versus "is sufficient for"?

Both phrases are very similar. "Is adequate to" implies that something meets a minimum requirement, while "is sufficient for" suggests it completely covers what's needed, perhaps with a bit extra. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is adequate to"?

The phrase "is adequate to" is generally correct, but it might be inappropriate if the context requires a stronger term like "is exceptional for" or "is outstanding for" if the subject significantly exceeds expectations.