they are adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that meets a certain standard or requirement, indicating sufficiency without being exceptional. Example: "The resources provided for the project are adequate for our needs, allowing us to proceed without any major issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Proponents of other, less invasive, techniques say they are adequate.

The New York Times - Travel

The agency will sum up the cuts and see if they are adequate.

The New York Times

Some of the translations are a bit ragged, though they are adequate for most purposes.

The Guardian

Their catch efficiency was similar to conventional light traps, indicating that they are adequate sampling units.

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

Under the act, the government must look at the standards every five years to determine whether they are adequate.

The New York Times

Their auditors, in turn, will be required to assess those controls and say if they are adequate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

They were adequate.

The Guardian - Books

They were adequate but needed work.

The New York Times

At the time, we thought they were adequate.

The Guardian

Then the dishes started arriving, and they were adequate competition for the scene.

The New York Times - Food

Both my grandmothers were... let's just say they were adequate cooks.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are adequate", ensure that the context clearly defines the standard or requirement being met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they are adequate" when something clearly exceeds expectations. This phrase suggests meeting a minimum requirement, not surpassing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are adequate" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or condition of the subject ("they"). It indicates that the subject meets a certain standard or requirement, without necessarily exceeding it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are adequate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something meets a certain standard or requirement. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for describing sufficiency without implying exceptional quality. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While synonyms like "they are sufficient" and "they are acceptable" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using "they are adequate", ensure the context provides a clear standard for comparison to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's neutrality allows its use across both formal and informal settings, making it a versatile option for expressing a satisfactory level of quality or performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they suffice

Implies meeting the minimum requirement; more concise.

they are sufficient

A more formal synonym, suggesting enough to meet a need.

they are acceptable

Indicates meeting a standard without necessarily excelling.

they are suitable

Highlights appropriateness for a specific purpose.

they are satisfactory

Indicates a level of fulfillment of expectations.

they are up to par

Suggests meeting an expected standard or level of performance.

they are good enough

More informal, implying a pragmatic acceptance of a level of quality.

they measure up

Indicates meeting a specific requirement or expectation.

they pass muster

Suggests surviving scrutiny or meeting a required standard after examination.

they will do

An informal and concise way of saying something is satisfactory.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are adequate" to express that something meets the necessary requirements or standards. For instance, "The safety measures they implemented are adequate to protect the workers."

What's the difference between "they are adequate" and "they are sufficient"?

While "they are adequate" and "they are sufficient" are often interchangeable, "adequate" suggests meeting a minimum requirement, whereas "sufficient" implies having enough to satisfy a need fully.

What can I say instead of "they are adequate"?

Alternatives include "they suffice", "they are acceptable", or "they are suitable" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to say "they are adequate"?

Not necessarily. While grammatically correct, stating "they are adequate" can sometimes imply that something is just barely meeting the requirements and might not be exceptional or outstanding.