it functions adequately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it functions adequately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that operates or performs satisfactorily, without any major issues. Example: "The software has been tested thoroughly, and it functions adequately for our current needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it is asserted that a society functions adequately only if necessary needs are satisfied, and if it is further asserted that ritual does satisfy that need, then scholars cannot conclude that, therefore, ritual is present in that society without committing the logical fallacy of affirming the consequent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Societal roles of women and men, thus, reinforce gender stereotypes "by which each sex is expected to have characteristics that equip it to function adequately in its typical roles" (Diekman and Eagly 2000, p. 1172).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow no longer functions adequately and the stem cells from which the blood cells are derived are unable to mature.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

All three of the panelists talked about the feasibility or lack thereof, for small businesses to effectively apply machine learning to their companies because of the lack of resources or capital and the scale required to have it function adequately.

Yale University

The two argued about the team's internal dynamic and whether it was functioning adequately..

The Washington Post

The two argued about the team's internal dynamic and whether it was functioning adequately.

The Washington Post

I tested this and it seemed to function adequately, but while I can see how some people would like it, I've never needed that type of functionality – I find it a hassle.

TechCrunch

Some respondents expressed doubts about the technical performance of the n-EPR: 'Technically it hasn't functioned adequately anywhere yet.

BMC Health Services Research

When the nerve stimulator was sent to our biomedical engineering department to verify the accuracy of its current output, it was found to be functioning adequately.

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

While the emergency system has several components, it needs all of them to function adequately in order to maintain and sustain the 'emergency chain of care' [ 39].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Another 80 are scheduled to face trial by Military Commission, a system of show trials concocted by Dick Cheney and his advisors in November 2001, but as these, like the tribunals, rely on secret evidence obtained through the torture, coercion or bribery of other detainees, and have yet to produce a single significant victory, it remains unclear if they will ever function adequately.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the performance of systems or processes, use "it functions adequately" to convey that they meet the minimum requirements for operation without necessarily excelling. For example, "Although the older model isn't the fastest, it functions adequately for basic tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "it functions adequately" when you actually mean to convey superior performance. Adequate implies 'just enough', so if something exceeds expectations, use stronger terms like 'efficiently', 'effectively', or 'excellently'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it functions adequately" typically functions as a clause element, where "it" is the subject, "functions" is the verb, and "adequately" is an adverb modifying the verb. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it functions adequately" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe something that performs or operates satisfactorily, meeting a minimum standard without necessarily excelling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely applicable in various contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. While other phrases like "it works sufficiently" or "it operates effectively" can be used as alternatives, "it functions adequately" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing needs. Be mindful of overstating performance; if something is exceptional, stronger terms should be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it works sufficiently

Emphasizes that something works to a degree that is enough to fulfill a need or requirement; implies basic functionality is present.

it operates effectively

Suggests a degree of efficiency and successful operation beyond just adequate performance; implies competence.

it performs acceptably

Indicates that something meets a minimum standard of performance, although it might not be exceptional.

it is good enough

A more colloquial way to say that something meets the required standard, even if it's not perfect.

it is serviceable

Implies that something is in working order and able to provide a service, though perhaps without frills or extras.

it meets the requirements

Focuses on compliance with specific criteria or standards; implies that all necessary conditions are satisfied.

it gets the job done

A practical expression highlighting the completion of a task, regardless of the quality or efficiency.

it is up to par

Indicates that something meets a specific standard or expectation; often used in comparative contexts.

it passes muster

Suggests that something has been examined or tested and found to be satisfactory, though perhaps not outstanding.

it holds up

This implies durability and sustained adequate performance under stress or over time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it functions adequately"?

Alternatives include "it works sufficiently", "it operates effectively", or "it performs acceptably", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "it functions adequately" formal or informal?

The phrase "it functions adequately" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its level of formality is considered neutral, making it versatile for various types of writing.

What does "it functions adequately" imply about the subject?

The phrase suggests that the subject meets a minimum standard of performance or operation. It indicates that something is working well enough, though it may not be exceptional or high-performing.

When should I avoid using "it functions adequately"?

Avoid using "it functions adequately" if the subject performs exceptionally well. In such cases, stronger terms like "it excels", "it performs efficiently", or "it operates effectively" would be more appropriate.