that are adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that are adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that meets a certain standard or requirement. Example: "The resources provided by the organization are those that are adequate for the project’s needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The casks currently are at the lightly-guarded Tajoura Nuclear Facility, closed with two IAEA seals that are adequate only for transportation, not storage.

The Guardian

But we should admit that as a consequence, others are enjoying the rewards of their purchase while we have to make and mend do with alternatives that are adequate, better in some ways, but very possibly inferior overall.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Russia will respond with measures that are adequate to the threat to the Russian federation," he said, "striking on all the places where the terrorists themselves, the organizers of these crimes and their ideological and financial inspirers are".

The New York Times

Intuitively, sets are intended to be those classes that are adequate for mathematics, and proper classes are thought of as those collections that are "so big" that, if they were permitted to be sets, contradictions would follow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We should equip them with tools that are adequate for the new complexity, risk and opportunity.

European Journal of Futures Research

Coincidentally, the observations were made during moon phases that are adequate for nighttime airglow measurements.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Not products that were adequate or sufficient or OK; not products a little bit better than capitalism's.

The Guardian - Books

In 1947, Lockheed's* chief executive told a Senate committee that the nation needed funding for military production that was "adequate, continuous, and permanent".

The New Yorker

"I would question them and they would come back with a response that was adequate to cover my concerns each and every time".

The New Yorker

Justifying thinking is much closer to the meaning that's adequate.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that are adequate", ensure that the context clearly defines the standard or requirement being met. This will help avoid ambiguity and make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "that are adequate" when a higher level of quality or performance is expected. Using it in such contexts can create an impression of settling for mediocrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that are adequate" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It describes qualities or characteristics meeting a specific standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is standard in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that are adequate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause to describe something that meets a minimum requirement or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. It is most commonly found in scientific and news sources, with a neutral formality level. For alternative phrasing, consider ""that are sufficient"" or ""that are acceptable"" to convey similar meanings, keeping in mind the subtle differences in nuance. Be mindful of overstating adequacy when a higher level of quality is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are sufficient

Replaces 'adequate' with 'sufficient', indicating just enough to meet a need or requirement.

that are enough

Substitutes 'adequate' with 'enough', suggesting the quantity or quality is satisfactory.

that are acceptable

Replaces 'adequate' with 'acceptable', implying the standard is satisfactory but perhaps not ideal.

that are suitable

Substitutes 'adequate' with 'suitable', emphasizing appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

that are satisfactory

Replaces 'adequate' with 'satisfactory', highlighting the fulfillment of a requirement or expectation.

that are up to par

Uses the idiomatic expression 'up to par' in place of 'adequate', indicating that something meets the required standard or expectation.

that are commensurate

Substitutes 'adequate' with 'commensurate', suggesting proportionality or correspondence in size or degree.

that are fitting

Replaces 'adequate' with 'fitting', implying suitability and appropriateness.

that are equal

Replaces 'adequate' with 'equal', suggesting that the items being described are equivalent to something else.

that are comparable

Replaces 'adequate' with 'comparable', suggesting a level of similarity to something used as a point of reference.

FAQs

How can I use "that are adequate" in a sentence?

Use "that are adequate" to describe something meeting a minimum requirement or standard. For example: "The safety measures "that are adequate" should prevent accidents."

What are some alternatives to "that are adequate"?

Alternatives include "that are sufficient", "that are enough", or "that are acceptable" depending on the desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "that are adequate" and "that are sufficient"?

While similar, "that are adequate" implies just meeting the requirement, whereas "that are sufficient" suggests meeting the need fully. The phrase "that are sufficient" could also imply there is more than what is necessary.

When is it appropriate to use "that are adequate" instead of "that are excellent"?

Use "that are adequate" when something only needs to meet a minimum standard. Use "that are excellent" when you want to convey that something is of very high quality or performs exceptionally well.