take adequate steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take adequate steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of actions or measures that are sufficient to address a situation or problem. Example: "In order to ensure safety, it is essential to take adequate steps to prevent accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Last night Barack Obama defended his administration's response to the financial crisis, but the reality is that a year on from Lehmans' collapse, it has failed to take adequate steps to restrict institutions' size, their risk-taking, and their interconnectedness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It appears JPMorgan did not take adequate steps to do this.

The New York Times

"It is likely the government will take adequate steps," Mr. Arokszallasi said.

The New York Times

Other recommendations in the committee's report included increasing prosecutions of adult sites that fail to take adequate steps to prevent children obtaining access to them.

The Guardian

In 2006 a man in Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the company had failed to take adequate steps to prevent hearing loss among iPod users.

The New York Times - Tech

But he has refused to comment specifically on the case of Father Fortune, which prompted Bishop Brendan Comiskey to resign last week after admitting that he did not take adequate steps to stop the abuse in his diocese.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It said that Conviasa failed to show it had taken adequate steps to prevent future accidents.

The New York Times

[C4.] F.D.A. Talks to Boston Scientific Officials of the Food and Drug Administration said that Boston Scientific had taken "adequate" steps to assure the safety of its Taxus drug-coated stent.

The New York Times

The regulator said in a statement that Wonga "was not taking adequate steps to assess customers' ability to meet repayments in a sustainable manner".

The Guardian - Business

Several black workers said management had done little to respond to their complaints, but the company maintained that it had taken adequate steps.

The New York Times

But General Kimmitt said the resistance fighters still had not taken adequate steps to hand over their heavy weapons -- a condition, he said, of the truce holding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take adequate steps", ensure that the actions are not only sufficient but also clearly defined and measurable. For example, instead of saying "The company will take adequate steps to improve safety", specify "The company will implement mandatory safety training and conduct weekly inspections to improve safety".

Common error

Avoid claiming that "adequate steps" have been taken without providing supporting evidence or examples of the specific actions implemented. Be prepared to justify the assertion with concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take adequate steps" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of implementing sufficient measures to address a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take adequate steps" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating the implementation of sufficient actions to address a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a verb phrase with a neutral register, often found in news, science, and professional contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the actions implemented and provide evidence of their adequacy. While related phrases like "take appropriate measures" offer similar meanings, "take adequate steps" emphasizes sufficiency. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase and related expressions in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take appropriate measures

Focuses on the suitability of the actions in relation to the situation.

implement sufficient actions

Highlights the implementation and the adequacy of the actions carried out.

adopt necessary procedures

Emphasizes the formal adoption and necessity of the steps.

apply suitable tactics

Suggests using specific, fitting tactics to resolve an issue.

undertake effective strategies

Implies a more planned and impactful set of actions.

initiate pertinent solutions

Highlights starting relevant solutions to a problem.

employ reasonable methods

Suggests using methods that are both fair and effective.

execute proper courses of action

Refers to a correct and structured way of handling a situation.

enact relevant protocols

Implies enforcing established protocols that are applicable to the situation.

pursue fitting approaches

Suggests following methods that are well-suited and adaptable.

FAQs

How can I use "take adequate steps" in a sentence?

You can use "take adequate steps" when you want to emphasize the need for sufficient actions to address a situation. For example: "The government must "take adequate steps" to protect the environment".

What phrases are similar to "take adequate steps"?

Similar phrases include "take appropriate measures", "implement sufficient actions", or "adopt necessary procedures".

Is there a difference between "take adequate steps" and "take necessary steps"?

"Take adequate steps" emphasizes that the actions are sufficient for the situation, while "take necessary steps" (/s/take+necessary+steps) stresses that the actions are essential. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight sufficiency or necessity.

Which is better, "take adequate steps" or "take significant steps"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Take adequate steps" implies that the actions are sufficient to achieve a specific goal, while "take significant steps" indicates that the actions are substantial and noteworthy but not necessarily sufficient. The most appropriate choice depends on the context.