work adequately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work adequately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the satisfactory performance or functionality of something, indicating that it meets the necessary standards or requirements. Example: "The new software should work adequately for our needs, providing the necessary features without any major issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Support the work adequately so the kerf does not close in on the blade.

The New York Times

It was the end of a short day's work adequately done.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of these coils are made of stainless steel, but copper coils also work adequately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is also quite common: according to a recent survey by CIPD, 91% of employees believe their organisation doesn't deal with bullying at work adequately.

The Guardian

But Boeing failed to supervise its partners' work adequately and has probably ended up spending more to put things right than it ever would have saved.

The Economist

That said, the devices may work adequately on occasion if an older adult is at home, in a quiet room, and wants some help communicating with another person.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

No existing voice recognition technology works adequately under such circumstances.

The New York Times - Tech

"Despite some good actors, self-regulation of privacy has not worked adequately and is not working adequately for American consumers," Jon Leibowitz, the chairman of the trade commission, said.

The New York Times

So while this version works adequately, and certainly offers its share of diversion, the reason for its existence is obscure.

The New York Times

"The justice court system as a whole is working adequately, but it is also plagued by problems that are not easily resolved," she said.

The New York Times

"The software is so clunky, awkward and unaccommodating that we cannot foresee the system working adequately in a clinical context," the letter said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work adequately", ensure the context clearly defines what standards or requirements are being met. For instance, "The backup system should "work adequately" during off-peak hours" provides better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "work adequately" when superior performance is intended. If the goal is excellence, phrases like "work optimally" or "perform exceptionally" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work adequately" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something functions at an acceptable or sufficient level, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work adequately" is a common adverbial phrase used to describe satisfactory performance or functionality. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general usage. While it indicates that something meets the necessary standards, it doesn't necessarily imply exceptional performance. When writing, it's important to consider whether "adequately" conveys the intended level of success or if a stronger descriptor is needed. Alternatives include "function properly" or "perform sufficiently", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform sufficiently

Focuses on the action of performing and suggests a level that is enough but not exceptional.

function properly

Highlights the correct and intended operation of something.

operate effectively

Emphasizes the efficiency and success of the operation.

suffice

A concise way of saying something is enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

meet requirements

Indicates that necessary standards or specifications are fulfilled.

measure up

Suggests a comparison against a standard or expectation, and indicates that it meets that standard.

be up to par

An idiomatic expression meaning to be at an expected or required level.

serve the purpose

Focuses on the suitability for a particular goal or aim.

cut the mustard

An informal idiom meaning to succeed or come up to expectations.

do the trick

An informal idiom meaning to achieve the desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "work adequately" in a sentence?

You can use "work adequately" to describe something that functions acceptably but not necessarily perfectly. For instance, "This solution will "work adequately" for now, but we'll need a better one in the future."

What can I say instead of "work adequately"?

You can use alternatives like "function properly", "perform sufficiently", or "meet requirements" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "work adequately" or "work effectively"?

"Work effectively" implies a higher level of success and efficiency than "work adequately". Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual level of performance.

What does "work adequately" mean in a technical context?

In a technical context, "work adequately" suggests that a system or component meets the minimum operational standards required. It implies the functionality is present without necessarily being optimized.