was adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that met the necessary standards or requirements in a particular context. Example: "The performance of the team was adequate, allowing them to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Food was adequate.

The New York Times

The crème brûlée was adequate.

The New York Times

"There was adequate sidewalk protection".

The New York Times

Yes, absolutely, I think it was adequate.

The New York Times

On gas prices, Where was adequate.

The New York Times - Tech

As the literature said, it was "adequate".

The New York Times

Mission: Impossible 3, which was adequate.

The Guardian - Film

on the present value of the properties was adequate.

Cornell University

He could send inspectors to see if curriculum was adequate.

The New York Times

It was adequate, but not more than that.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Video quality was decent enough for a web series, but we're not quite ready for Sundance or Cannes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was adequate", consider if a more precise term might better convey the intended meaning. For instance, if you mean 'excellent', using 'adequate' would be an understatement.

Common error

Avoid relying on "was adequate" as a generic description for everything meeting minimum standards. Use more descriptive language to capture nuances and provide richer detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was adequate" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a noun. Ludwig examples show its use in evaluating various subjects, from food quality to the effectiveness of a plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was adequate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that meets the minimum requirements or standards, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more descriptive term might provide greater clarity. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "was sufficient" and "was acceptable". When writing, avoid overuse and strive for more specific descriptors to enhance the clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was sufficient

Emphasizes meeting a specific need or requirement.

was acceptable

Suggests a level of permissibility or satisfaction without necessarily being optimal.

was satisfactory

Implies a sense of fulfillment or contentment with the outcome.

was passable

Indicates a minimum level of quality or competence, just enough to get by.

was up to par

Signifies meeting a standard or expectation.

was good enough

Highlights that something met the minimum required standard.

was competent

Focuses on the ability to perform a task effectively.

was fair

Suggests an impartial or reasonable level of quality.

was decent

Indicates a respectable or presentable quality.

was suitable

Highlights appropriateness for a specific purpose or context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was adequate" is used to describe something that met the necessary requirements or standards but was not necessarily exceptional. For example, you might say, "The food at the restaurant "was adequate", but the service was outstanding".

What are some alternatives to "was adequate"?

You can use alternatives like "was sufficient", "was acceptable", or "was satisfactory" depending on the context. These alternatives offer slightly different nuances in meaning.

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

Both "was adequate" and "was sufficient" are similar, but "was adequate" often implies just meeting the minimum requirement, while "was sufficient" suggests that something was enough to fulfill a need or purpose.

What does "was adequate but not dynamic" mean?

The phrase "was adequate but not dynamic" suggests that something met the minimum requirements or standards but lacked energy, excitement, or innovation. It implies a basic level of functionality without any outstanding or remarkable qualities.