what is adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the sufficiency or appropriateness of something in a specific context. Example: "Can you clarify what is adequate for this project in terms of resources and time?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But what is adequate schooling and who determines it?

The New York Times

But what is adequate to you might not be adequate to me.

The Guardian

The question of what is adequate evidence is "not a line in the sand," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"But it's not easy to know what is adequate coverage and what isn't," Mr. Claxton said.

The New York Times - Health

But what is "adequate housing" in practice?

European Transport Research Review

"What is adequate understanding?," American Journal of Bioethics 19 5) (2019), in press.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What are adequate levels of coverage and/or fidelity of data?

Nature

With regard to the estimates as to what are adequate quantities of the different varieties of produce required by the domestic market, ADMARC plays the central role of advising Government on this.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

What is necessary is adequate moral justification.

SEP

And yet the path is clear -- as the report goes on to note, what is required are adequate "civilian law enforcement personnel" to accomplish the "holding" and "effective development strategies" to accomplish the "building".

Huffington Post

"Citizen Satisfaction with Government Performance: Public Opinion in Rural and Urban China". To be published in: What is An Adequate Life?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and tailor the language to their level of understanding. For technical audiences, you can use more precise or specialized terms.

Common error

Avoid using "what is adequate" without specifying what needs to be adequate. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations and ineffective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is adequate" functions as an interrogative phrase seeking to define the criteria for sufficiency or acceptability. It prompts a response that specifies the necessary conditions or standards. Examples on Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from education to retirement income.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is adequate" is a versatile phrase used to question the sufficiency or acceptability of something within a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across diverse domains, including news, science, and academia. Though not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and its meaning is clear. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity regarding the criteria being evaluated is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "what is sufficient" or "what is enough" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is sufficient

Replaces "adequate" with a synonym emphasizing the fulfillment of a requirement.

what is enough

Focuses on the quantity or degree needed to satisfy a specific purpose.

what is acceptable

Shifts the focus to meeting a certain standard or level of approval.

what is satisfactory

Highlights the fulfillment of expectations or requirements.

what is requisite

Emphasizes the necessity or essential nature of something.

what is appropriate

Focuses on the suitability of something for a particular purpose or situation.

what is suitable

Similar to "appropriate", but emphasizes the fitness for a specific role or condition.

what is the minimum requirement

Highlights the lowest acceptable level or standard.

what constitutes adequacy

Explores the components that define what fulfills the criteria of being adequate.

what degree is acceptable

Asks for the level of something which can be considered acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "what is adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "what is adequate" to inquire about the sufficiency or appropriateness of something in a specific context. For example: "What is adequate for this project in terms of resources and time?"

What's a good substitute for "what is adequate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "what is sufficient", "what is enough", or "what is acceptable".

How does "what is adequate" differ from "what is necessary"?

"What is adequate" refers to what is sufficient or satisfactory, while "what is necessary" refers to what is essential or indispensable. Adequacy implies meeting a certain standard, while necessity implies being required.

In what situations is "what is adequate" most appropriate?

"What is adequate" is most appropriate when evaluating whether something meets a particular requirement or standard, without necessarily being the absolute best or most comprehensive option.