that is adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something meets the necessary requirements or standards. Example: "The report you submitted is well-organized and thorough; that is adequate for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there a nicely axiomatized predicate provability logic that is adequate, proving exactly the valid principles of provability?

SEP

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

The New Yorker

These new bioabsorbable materials confer initial and intermediate-term stability that is adequate for stable bony healing in various applications.

The Spine Journal

All applicants offered admission to the program are provided with a stipend that is adequate to live on in New Haven.

Yale University

to simplify instructions accompanying such reports and statements and to provide an index to the instructions that is adequate to meet the needs of both filers and users.

Cornell University

The LOCA safety analysis of the W-SMR requires an evaluation model (EM) that is adequate for a reactor design with passive safety systems.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Here a formalization of the theory of memes is proposed, making use of a formal language that is adequate to represent neural information processing.

Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures

The cabin is huge, with big, ergonomically correct seats up front, a back seat that is adequate for three adults and a trunk that almost looks as though it could hold an old VW Beetle.

The New York Times

"You need regulation that is adequate to the scope of innovation and to the scope of activity," said Representative Barney Frank, the Democrat of Massachusetts who is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

The New York Times

But the purpose was to show people like those who send the "feckless" emails that however careful you are, even the minimum wage, let alone benefits, doesn't provide a living standard that is adequate, decent or fair.

The Guardian - Opinion

The MIT biologist is particularly focused on one tantalizing clue: for about 70 years, researchers have known that rats tend to live longer when fed a diet that is adequate in nutrition but very low in calories.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is adequate" to clearly and directly state that something meets the necessary requirements or standards for a given situation.

Common error

While "that is adequate" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound unenthusiastic or begrudging. Consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives like "that is excellent" or "that is exceptional" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is adequate" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something meets a certain standard or requirement. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it's used to assess whether something is sufficient or acceptable for a given purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is adequate" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something meets a necessary requirement or standard. According to Ludwig, its grammatical function is as a predicate adjective phrase, serving to modify nouns or pronouns. It is frequently used in scientific, news, and academic contexts with a neutral to professional register. While it is considered grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests considering stronger alternatives in formal writing to avoid sounding unenthusiastic. Several alternative phrases, such as "that is sufficient" and "that is acceptable", offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is sufficient

Emphasizes meeting a necessary requirement or condition; focuses on having enough.

that is enough

Highlights the cessation of need; focuses on reaching a point where no more is required.

that is acceptable

Focuses on meeting a minimum standard or expectation.

that is satisfactory

Indicates a level of fulfillment that meets expectations, though may not exceed them.

that is suitable

Highlights appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

that is fitting

Implies that something is well-matched or aligned with a particular context.

that is appropriate

Stresses the correctness or suitability of something in a given situation.

that is passable

Suggests meeting a minimum level of acceptance but perhaps not excelling.

that is decent

Indicates an acceptable or respectable level of quality or performance.

that is reasonable

Suggests fairness and common sense in meeting needs or expectations.

FAQs

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

Use "that is adequate" to express that something meets a necessary requirement or standard. For example, "The funding provided, while not excessive, that is adequate for completing the initial phase of the project."

What are some alternatives to "that is adequate"?

You can use alternatives such as "that is sufficient", "that is acceptable", or "that is suitable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that is adequate" formal or informal?

"That is adequate" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using alternatives like "that is sufficient" to maintain a more professional tone.

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

While both phrases indicate meeting a requirement, "that is adequate" implies meeting a basic level of requirement. While "that is sufficient" suggests there's enough to cover the requirement without being deficient.