Passable quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Passable quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of an acceptable standard, but not exceptional. Example: "The movie was of passable quality, entertaining enough for a casual viewing but not something I would recommend highly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That meant producing stuff from toys to PCs at passable quality and low prices.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By contrast, Verizon, AT& T and other carriers that operate conventional circuit-switched public networks provide reliable service with passable voice quality.

The New York Times - Tech

Like the GT350, the GT500 gets MagneRide dampers that can adjust up to 1,000 times per second to help control body motions while still providing passable ride quality when driving to and from track days.

Forbes

I could hear the compression on recordings, but the quality is certainly passable.

TechCrunch

In this model, producers often make the same amount whether the product is at the passable level or of the highest quality.

Huffington Post

Desserts — a passable apple crisp and a supermarket-quality carrot cake — were disappointing, but our waitress was smart and attentive.

The New York Times

While I'm no audiophile, I like to think I have at least a passable ear when it comes to audio quality.

TechCrunch

Granted, we may be more exposed to grammar on a daily basis, but it's no good just seeing something the workings behind which you've never really been shown; the quality of grammar teaching varies between passable to barely there in Britain, so poor grammar ought not to be ascribed to an inability to process information.

The Guardian

Video quality on either one will be passable.

TechCrunch

Earlier in the month, we reported ArcSoft's SimHD technology, a video enhancement technology that supposedly could take DVD quality video and make it into passable 1080p.

TechCrunch

The quality of daily and weekly summaries are passable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passable quality" when you want to convey that something meets a minimum standard without being exceptional. It's suitable for describing goods, services, or performances that are acceptable but not particularly impressive.

Common error

Avoid using "passable quality" when you intend to communicate high or excellent quality. The term implies a basic level of acceptability, not superiority. Use terms like "excellent quality" or "high quality" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passable quality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a level of quality that is sufficient but not exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passable quality" describes something that is adequate but not exceptional, and is grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable, consider alternatives like "acceptable quality" or "adequate quality" if a more precise description is needed. Avoid using it when you want to describe something as high quality. Understanding these nuances will improve your writing's clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acceptable quality

Replaces "passable" with a more neutral synonym, focusing on the basic level of acceptance.

Adequate quality

Similar to "acceptable quality", but implies just enough to meet a specific requirement.

Sufficient quality

Emphasizes that the quality is enough to fulfill a specific purpose or need.

Satisfactory quality

Indicates that the quality meets expectations, though not exceeding them.

Decent quality

Implies a level of quality that is reasonably good, but not outstanding.

Reasonable quality

Focuses on the fairness and appropriateness of the quality given the circumstances.

Tolerable quality

Suggests the quality is barely acceptable, perhaps with some reservations.

Barely adequate quality

Stresses the minimal level of acceptability, possibly with negative connotations.

Mediocre quality

Highlights that the quality is average and not particularly impressive.

Just good enough quality

Informal phrasing that conveys the idea of meeting the lowest acceptable standard.

FAQs

What does "passable quality" mean?

The term "passable quality" indicates that something meets a minimum standard of acceptability, but it is not particularly impressive or excellent. It implies that the item or service is adequate but not outstanding.

What can I say instead of "passable quality"?

You can use alternatives like "acceptable quality", "adequate quality", or "satisfactory quality" depending on the context.

Is "passable quality" a negative term?

While not inherently negative, "passable quality" tends to be neutral or slightly underwhelming. It suggests that something is 'just good enough' rather than impressive or superior.

How to use "passable quality" in a sentence?

You can use "passable quality" to describe anything from food to manufactured goods. For example: "The restaurant's food was of "passable quality", but the service was excellent."