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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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this sounds adequate

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something seems satisfactory or acceptable in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I can say that this sounds adequate for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A review of centres found that 86% were mediocre or plain bad; a study of care in the homes of relatives and non-relatives found 35% of the arrangements inadequate and 56% merely passable.Dire though this sounds, adequate care outside the home appears to do children little damage (although bad care is harmful, whoever gives it).

News & Media

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"What would have sounded adequate?" Gimlette wonders.

While musical reproduction sounded adequate, during dynamic movie sequences the system lacked punch.

News & Media

Forbes

But the saying doesn't sound adequate anymore.

News & Media

Huffington Post

A 500W PSU may sound adequate, but if its 12V amperage is in the low 20s or less (12V times 25A is 300W), it may not be able to power a modern computer.

This sounds innocent enough.

News & Media

The Economist

This sounds dangerous.

News & Media

Independent

But this sounds arbitrary.

Science

SEP

This sounds very anecdotal.

Science

eLife

This sounds utterly terrible.

An official figure of 34mpg sounds adequate, but we averaged less than 20mpg simply by driving the thing the way it was built to be driven.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sounds adequate" when you want to express a provisional agreement or acceptance, indicating that something meets the minimum requirements but may not be exceptional. It is useful in negotiations or preliminary assessments.

Common error

Avoid using "this sounds adequate" in highly formal or critical situations where a stronger affirmation is needed. Opt for phrases like "this is excellent" or "this is ideal" to convey greater enthusiasm and confidence.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds adequate" primarily functions as an evaluative expression. It conveys an assessment that something meets a basic level of acceptability or suitability. Ludwig AI indicates this expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this sounds adequate" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a sense of provisional acceptance or satisfaction. It's relatively rare, yet versatile enough to appear in diverse contexts, including news, science, wikis, and formal business settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While it's acceptable for expressing that something meets basic requirements, remember that a stronger affirmation might be more suitable in formal situations. Consider alternatives like "that seems sufficient" or "that appears satisfactory" to enhance clarity and impact, depending on the context.

FAQs

How can I use "this sounds adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "this sounds adequate" to express that something seems satisfactory or acceptable. For example, "After reviewing the proposal, I can say that this sounds adequate for our needs."

What can I say instead of "this sounds adequate"?

You can use alternatives like "that seems sufficient", "that appears satisfactory", or "that seems acceptable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "this sounds adequate" or "this is adequate"?

"This sounds adequate" implies a preliminary assessment based on current information, while "this is adequate" is a more definitive statement. The choice depends on the level of certainty and the context.

What's the difference between "this sounds adequate" and "this seems adequate"?

The difference between "this sounds adequate" and "this seems adequate" is minimal. Both express a similar level of acceptance or satisfaction. "Sounds" relates to an auditory impression, while "seems" refers to a general impression.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: