that was adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something met the necessary requirements or standards, often in a somewhat neutral or understated manner. Example: "The presentation was not exceptional, but I believe that was adequate for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That study purported to show that Kansas was not funding its schools at a level that was adequate to meet the constitutional requirements for the provision of education.

Stanford University

"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

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

A showing of probable cause that was adequate to justify the issuance of a warrant to search for stolen goods in the 18th century does not automatically satisfy the new dimensions of the Fourth Amendment in the post-Hayden era.

Cornell University

The political parties — and health policy analysts of different ideological views — disagree sharply over whether the plans Republicans put forward during the last Congress would have provided coverage that was adequate or available to enough people.

The Washington Post

"D.E.C. was not going to address it in a way that was adequate enough for industry," he said, adding, "The governor recognized the legitimate inequities in the proposal that D.E.C. had put on the street and was very concerned about undue cost on business".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 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

"We are not responding in any way that's adequate to the challenge we face," Mr. Sasse said.

The New York Times

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

Yale University

Nonetheless, the authors of the Clause used words that were adequate for situations not expressly contemplated at the time.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was adequate" when you want to express that something met the minimum requirements or standards without necessarily being exceptional. It implies a level of sufficiency rather than excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "that was adequate" too frequently, as it can sound unenthusiastic or dismissive. Consider stronger, more descriptive words to convey your true feelings or evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was adequate" functions as a subject complement, providing information about the subject, in this case an implied "it". It often expresses an assessment or judgment of sufficiency or acceptability. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was adequate" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, indicating that something met the required standard or level. While Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability, it's important to consider the context, and based on Ludwig examples, it finds its use mainly on News & Media. Alternative phrases such as "that was sufficient" or "that was acceptable" can provide a more positive or formal tone, depending on the intended message. Overuse can be perceived as unenthusiastic, so vary your language for better impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was sufficient

Replaces "adequate" with a synonym emphasizing a satisfactory level of meeting requirements.

that was acceptable

Indicates the action or item was satisfactory and met a certain standard of approval.

that was satisfactory

Similar to "acceptable" but slightly more formal, indicating fulfillment of expectations.

that sufficed

A more concise and slightly formal way of saying something was enough.

that met the requirement

Focuses specifically on fulfilling a predefined need or standard.

that was good enough

A more informal alternative suggesting something barely met the required standard.

that was up to par

Suggests the situation or object attained the required standard or level.

that was all that was needed

Highlights that nothing more was necessary, emphasizing completeness.

that would do

An expression indicating that something, although not ideal, will be acceptable.

that hit the mark

Implies the action of object accurately fulfilled its intended purpose or reached the intended level.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was adequate" to express that something met the necessary requirements or standards. For example, "The presentation wasn't exceptional, but I thought "that was adequate" for our needs".

What's a more formal alternative to "that was adequate"?

A more formal alternative could be "that was sufficient" or "that was satisfactory". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it okay to use "that was adequate" in business writing?

Yes, it's acceptable, but be mindful of the context. If you're aiming for a neutral assessment, "that was adequate" works. However, if you want to express enthusiasm or strong approval, consider using a more positive phrase.

What can I say instead of "that was adequate" when something barely met the standard?

If you want to indicate that something only barely met the standard, you could say "that was good enough". Be careful as this phrase may sound slightly negative.