a respectable result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectable result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome that is commendable or worthy of respect, often in the context of achievements or performance. Example: "After months of hard work, we finally achieved a respectable result in our research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The sum of the tree's measurements came to 360.25, a respectable result — but insufficient for championship designation.

The New York Times

If the SPD wins at least a respectable result, Mr Müntefering should be able to rebuild it in opposition.

The Economist

Some current and former television program executives predicted a respectable result for "Smash" Monday of about 3.5.

The New York Times

It would a respectable result for Israel but one that won't help either team achieve their goal.

The Guardian - Sport

But for the boutique auction house it was a respectable result, just above its $50 million low estimate.

The New York Times

Ms Dickinson said the retail figures came in the context of a year of "encouraging but fragile recovery", adding: "This is a respectable result overall.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

After gaining Havant, Adur and Shrewsbury - but losing Calderdale - senior Tories spoke of a "perfectly respectable result at this stage".

The Guardian

In the context of this observation, we achieved a fairly respectable result for this imbalanced data set.

Biology Direct

Iain Duncan Smith's Conservatives scored a more than respectable result, gaining over 560 seats.

BBC

Hull provided a pleasant surprise at the start of the season when, with a team that gave 'hodge-podge' a bad name, managed to beat the defending champions and chivvy out a few respectable results.

The Guardian - Sport

The Russian followed up this respectable result with a 14th place in the swim, but it was his near-perfect ride worth 1,156 points which put him in third position ahead of the combined event.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing outcomes in reports or analyses, use "a respectable result" to convey a sense of reasonable success without overstating the achievement. It implies the result met expectations and is worthy of recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "a respectable result" when the outcome is truly exceptional. This phrase suggests adequacy rather than outstanding success. Instead, opt for terms like "remarkable achievement" or "outstanding performance" to accurately reflect the magnitude of the accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectable result" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "respectable" modifies the noun "result". Ludwig's examples show it describes outcomes considered satisfactory or worthy of recognition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a respectable result" is a common phrase used to describe an outcome that is reasonably good and meets expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. While it conveys a sense of accomplishment, it avoids overstating the significance of the achievement. Alternatives such as "a commendable outcome" or "a creditable performance" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual level of success to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable outcome

Replaces 'respectable' with 'commendable', suggesting praise and approval.

a creditable performance

Substitutes 'result' with 'performance' and 'respectable' with 'creditable', focusing on the act of achieving.

a satisfactory achievement

Uses 'satisfactory' to indicate meeting expectations, and 'achievement' for a successful outcome.

a decent showing

Employs 'decent' to imply acceptable quality and 'showing' to describe the presentation of a result.

an adequate return

Focuses on the 'return' or yield, suggesting it is 'adequate' or sufficient.

a passable effort

Implies the effort was 'passable', meaning just good enough, rather than excellent.

a fair outcome

Highlights the impartiality and acceptability of the 'outcome', using 'fair'.

a tolerable level

Suggests the level or quantity is 'tolerable', meaning acceptable but not ideal.

a reasonable figure

Emphasizes the logic and acceptability of a numerical 'figure' or result.

a tangible benefit

Replaces 'result' with a 'benefit', and indicates it is 'tangible' or easily perceived.

FAQs

How can I use "a respectable result" in a sentence?

You can use "a respectable result" to describe an outcome that is considered satisfactory or reasonably good. For example: "The team achieved "a respectable result" despite facing numerous challenges."

What are some alternatives to saying "a respectable result"?

Alternatives to "a respectable result" include "a commendable outcome", "a creditable performance", or "a satisfactory achievement", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a respectable result"?

It is appropriate to use "a respectable result" when you want to convey that the outcome is reasonably good and meets expectations without being exceptional. It's useful in situations where you want to acknowledge a positive outcome without exaggerating its significance.

What's the difference between "a respectable result" and "an outstanding result"?

"A respectable result" implies a satisfactory or reasonably good outcome, while "an outstanding result" suggests an exceptional or remarkably successful outcome. The former indicates adequacy, whereas the latter indicates excellence.