a satisfactory method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a technique or approach that meets the required standards or expectations. Example: "After reviewing several options, we concluded that a satisfactory method for data collection is essential for the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Taking oral history can indeed be a satisfactory method of determining the chronology of late 19th-century houses, but earlier than that, it is almost useless.

The New York Times

But the Census Bureau and the government have failed to find a satisfactory method to make good the "undercount".Other, smaller groups appear to have grown even more.

The Economist

"We have long pointed out that the BCS is not a satisfactory method of recording crime". Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said it was "obvious that the official statistics on crime do not paint the full picture".

The Guardian

The great number of surgical techniques experimented illustrates the difficulty to find a satisfactory method for the treatment of these recurrent dislocations.

Revue de Stomatologie, de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale et de Chirurgie Orale

The superficial temporal artery frontal branch island flap is a satisfactory method for the repair of a defect secondary to a BCC of the lower eyelid.

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

In summary, conventionally calibrated SEC is a satisfactory method to characterize SCNP via interpretation of comparative shifts in retention time.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Using brassiere cup size as a measurement of breast volume is a less satisfactory method, since different brands of brassieres differ in size.

British Journal of Cancer

We illustrated that the random effects survival model is a more satisfactory method to evaluate the natural history of a disease with multiple type of events.

BMC Cancer

To date, due to unavoidable shortcomings in physical and numerical modeling techniques, there is not a single satisfactory method to solve the problem completely.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

It is shown that oxygen ion implantation, especially using plasma immersion ion implantation for three-dimensional objects, is a highly satisfactory method to obtain both objectives.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Therapists are requested to assess the child's skills and propose, if necessary, a functionally satisfactory method for writing which would allow the child to meet the demands of the education system.

Motricité Cérébrale : Réadaptation, Neurologie du Développement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method, be specific about what makes it "satisfactory". Provide details about its effectiveness, efficiency, or suitability for the task at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "a satisfactory method" when a more precise term would be appropriate. If the method is truly exceptional, consider using words like "optimal", "innovative", or "groundbreaking" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory method" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It typically describes a process or technique that meets a certain level of acceptability or adequacy, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

22%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a satisfactory method" is a commonly used phrase to describe an approach or technique that meets the required standards or expectations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in science, news media, and academic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to specify what makes the method "satisfactory" and to avoid overstating its merits if a more precise term would be appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "an acceptable method" or "a suitable method" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable method

Suggests the method is appropriate for a specific purpose or context, emphasizing relevance.

an appropriate method

Similar to "suitable", emphasizing the method's correctness for a given situation.

an acceptable method

Implies the method is adequate but not necessarily ideal, focusing on meeting a minimum standard.

a reasonable method

Implies the method is logical and sensible, focusing on its rationale.

a fitting method

Suggests the method is particularly well-matched or ideal for the context.

an adequate method

Similar to "acceptable", indicating the method is sufficient but potentially not the best option.

a sound method

Suggests the method is reliable and well-founded, emphasizing its integrity.

a viable method

Indicates the method is practical and feasible, stressing its workability.

a decent method

Indicates the method is reasonably good or satisfactory, but perhaps not exceptional.

an effective method

Highlights the method's ability to produce the desired result, focusing on efficacy.

FAQs

What does "a satisfactory method" mean?

It refers to a process or approach that meets the required standards or expectations, indicating it is good enough for a particular purpose.

How can I use "a satisfactory method" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a technique or approach that is adequate or acceptable. For example, "After testing different approaches, we determined that this was "a satisfactory method" for data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "a satisfactory method"?

You can use alternatives like "an acceptable method", "a suitable method", or "an adequate method depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a satisfactory method" versus "an ideal method"?

"A satisfactory method" implies that the method meets the basic requirements and is acceptable, while "an ideal method" suggests it's the best possible option. Use "a satisfactory method" when you want to convey that the method is adequate but not necessarily perfect.