Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this sounds adequate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
"What would have sounded adequate?" Gimlette wonders.
News & Media
While musical reproduction sounded adequate, during dynamic movie sequences the system lacked punch.
News & Media
But the saying doesn't sound adequate anymore.
News & Media
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.
Wiki
This sounds innocent enough.
News & Media
This sounds dangerous.
News & Media
But this sounds arbitrary.
Science
This sounds very anecdotal.
Science
This sounds utterly terrible.
Wiki
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
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that seems sufficient
Replaces "sounds" with "seems" and "adequate" with "sufficient", focusing on the impression of sufficiency.
that appears satisfactory
Uses "appears" instead of "sounds" and "satisfactory" in place of "adequate", suggesting a sense of acceptability.
that seems acceptable
Substitutes "sounds" with "seems" and "adequate" with "acceptable", emphasizing the notion of being permissible.
that is a reasonable proposition
Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating a logical or fair offer.
that is an acceptable solution
Focuses on the "solution" aspect, implying that it meets the required criteria.
this seems like a good plan
Replaces "adequate" with a broader term, "good plan", referring to an overall strategy.
this appears to be in order
Uses a more formal tone to indicate that everything is correctly arranged or acceptable.
that seems appropriate
Replaces "adequate" with "appropriate", suggesting suitability for a specific purpose.
this gives me no cause for concern
Expresses a lack of worry or objection, implying that something is acceptable.
this meets the requirements
Highlights the fact that something fulfills necessary conditions or standards.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested