a passable grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passable grade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a grade that is acceptable or sufficient to meet a minimum standard, often in an academic context. Example: "To pass the course, students need to achieve at least a passable grade on the final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

IGN reviewed the comic and gave it a "passable" score of 6.5 out of 10.

Wikipedia

Despite rising vacancies, slower sales and diminished economic prospects, the market for warehouses in northern New Jersey is still getting passable grades from real estate market analysts, especially if they grade on a curve.

The New York Times

--into passable grades.

The New York Times

All right, we're now out of the middling but passable grades and right on to the outright failures.

Huffington Post

Sign up now to get tHaveest of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

Using brute-force methods of calculation, computers can nowadays play a passable game of chess.

The Economist

Thanks to such vigorous acting, "The High Water Mark" at least succeeds as a passable diversion.

The New York Times

When students tap into their beer funds to buy a passable essay, they bypass the difficult work of learning, the trust of their instructors, fair grading, and the common rules followed by fellow classmates.

The Guardian

I am a passable lawyer.

The New Yorker

It was a passable sound bite.

The New York Times

But what happens if you get a passable appetizer?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passable grade" when you want to indicate that a performance or result is adequate or meets the minimum requirements, but is not necessarily outstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a passable grade" when describing truly exceptional work; it implies mediocrity rather than excellence. Opt for phrases that reflect genuine accomplishment in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passable grade" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "grade." It indicates a level of performance that is adequate but not exceptional. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passable grade" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe performance that meets the minimum requirements without necessarily being exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While the phrase itself is not overly formal, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from academic discussions to professional evaluations. Due to a lack of examples, its usage patterns have to be determined by the context. To convey a more positive sentiment, consider alternatives like "a satisfactory grade" or "an acceptable grade".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An acceptable score

Replaces 'passable' with 'acceptable', emphasizing the idea of meeting a minimum requirement.

A satisfactory mark

Uses 'satisfactory' instead of 'passable', focusing on the notion of fulfilling basic expectations.

A sufficient level

Focuses on the idea that the achievement is just enough to meet the required standard.

A decent evaluation

Substitutes 'passable' with 'decent', suggesting a level of quality that is adequate but not exceptional.

An adequate assessment

Uses 'adequate' in place of 'passable' and 'assessment' instead of 'grade', signifying a basic level of competence.

A tolerable rating

Replaces 'grade' with 'rating' and 'passable' with 'tolerable', highlighting the idea of something being just good enough.

A fair result

Replaces 'passable grade' with 'fair result', implying a moderate level of success.

A minimal passing standard

Rephrases the entire concept to emphasize the lowest acceptable level of performance.

A modest achievement

Uses 'modest achievement' to convey a sense of limited but acceptable accomplishment.

A borderline passing level

Highlights the marginal nature of the achievement, suggesting it barely meets the minimum requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "a passable grade" in a sentence?

You can use "a passable grade" to describe a level of performance that is just good enough to meet the requirements. For example, "The student achieved "a passable grade" on the exam, but didn't excel".

What's a less formal way to say "a passable grade"?

Less formal alternatives include "okay grade", "decent mark", or "good enough score". These options convey a similar meaning in a more casual context.

Is it better to aim for "a passable grade" or an excellent grade?

While "a passable grade" indicates basic competence, aiming for an excellent grade demonstrates mastery and greater understanding. The better choice depends on your goals and the importance of the task.

What can I say instead of "a passable grade" to sound more positive?

To sound more positive, you can use alternatives like "a satisfactory grade", "an acceptable grade", or "a decent grade". These phrases still indicate that the requirements were met, but with a slightly more favorable connotation.