to be adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something meets a certain standard or requirement. Example: "The resources provided were sufficient to be adequate for the project's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Spence, among others, considers 350 picomoles to be adequate.

The New York Times - Health

It needs to be adequate to the task.

The New York Times

As a result, we must avoid expecting technological security measures to be adequate in protecting privacy.

The New York Times - Tech

Information in a direct offer advert has to be "adequate and fair".

The Guardian - Money

The entire musical feels that way, as if it were satisfied to be adequate.

The New York Times

The problem is, those replacements don't appear to be adequate additions.

The Guardian - Sport

"I just want to be adequate out there, try to keep the runs to a minimum".

The New York Times - Sports

But she said the committee found the resources to be adequate.

The New York Times - Health

The soot wasn't dangerous, he said, and the chimney's workmanship appeared to be adequate.

The New York Times

But with more new arrivals coming from Turkey, no amount of emergency action appears to be adequate.

The Guardian

Shortly after Morden, an internal investigation was launched, and Ladbrokes' single-scheduling policy found to be adequate.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be adequate", ensure the context clearly defines the standard or requirement being met. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be adequate" when a higher degree of quality or performance is implied. Using stronger terms like "excellent" or "superior" can be more effective when aiming to convey exceptional quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be adequate" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state of meeting a certain requirement or standard. Ludwig shows it is common across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be adequate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that indicates something meets a minimum standard or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as science, news, and formal writing. While "to be adequate" suggests meeting the minimum, alternatives like "to be sufficient" imply exceeding the basic requirement. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the standard being met to prevent ambiguity. As Ludwig showcases, being mindful of the implied level of quality is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be sufficient

This alternative uses a different adjective with a similar meaning, emphasizing the meeting of a requirement or need.

to be acceptable

This phrase highlights that something meets a certain standard of approval or satisfaction.

to be satisfactory

This alternative indicates that something fulfills expectations or requirements in a pleasing manner.

to meet the requirements

This phrase emphasizes the act of fulfilling specific criteria.

to be enough

A shorter, more direct way of saying something meets a need or requirement.

to measure up

This idiom suggests meeting a particular standard or expectation.

to be up to par

This phrase suggests meeting a required level of quality or performance.

to pass muster

This idiom means to be good enough to be approved or accepted.

to fill the bill

An idiom meaning to be suitable for a particular purpose or need.

to cut the mustard

An informal idiom indicating that someone or something is up to par.

FAQs

How can I use "to be adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "to be adequate" when describing something that meets a minimum requirement or standard. For example, "The funding proved "to be adequate" for the project's initial phase".

What are some alternatives to "to be adequate"?

Alternatives include "to be sufficient", "to be acceptable", or "to be satisfactory", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be adequate" or "to be sufficient"?

Both "to be adequate" and "to be sufficient" are correct, but "sufficient" often implies a greater degree of meeting a need than "adequate", which suggests just barely meeting the minimum requirement.

What does "to be adequate" mean?

"To be adequate" means to be good enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose or need. It implies that something meets a minimum standard or requirement.