a satisfactory one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that meets expectations or requirements in a positive manner. Example: "After reviewing the proposals, we found that the second option was a satisfactory one for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The solution McGinniss arrived at for dealing with MacDonald's characterlessness was not a satisfactory one.

The New Yorker

If he could harness and replicate his best moments throughout the role, he could be a fabulous Cavaradossi, rather than just a satisfactory one.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet would a single successful business in this country enter into negotiations with a customer or merger partner without being prepared to walk away without a deal if it could not get a satisfactory one?

The Guardian - Opinion

Its arrangement to exchange £182.5m of debt for capital is a satisfactory one from the government's point of view since, without it, West Brom's toxic loans would have had to be nationalised, and its branches and savings deposits sold off to a rival such as the Coventry, said to be waiting in the wings.

The Guardian - Business

A compromise will have to be achieved here, but I doubt we'll have a satisfactory one for a couple years, since all these potentially invasive services are at a very early stage.

TechCrunch

The objective of our study was to understand what motivated patients to participate in clinical trials for retinal disease, and to determine if the experience was a satisfactory one.

BMC Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These items (item e for relationship dynamics and item b for process management) were removed from the two scales, resulting in a satisfactory one-factor solution for both cases.

BMC Health Services Research

It was a solution, but not a completely satisfactory one.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's an odd compromise, and not a particularly satisfactory one, but most people probably couldn't care less about such arcane architectural matters.

The New Yorker

Our method is based on an incremental planner algorithm that generates a reactive plan by computing a sequence of partially satisfactory reactive plans converging to a completely satisfactory one.

Artificial Intelligence

But it's romantically drawn to underdogs, and Israel had ceased to be an emotionally satisfactory one after it again smashed encircling Arab armies in the Six Day war of 1967 and ruled the Occupied Territories with a pretty firm hand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger alternatives if the situation calls for more than just meeting minimum expectations. Words like "excellent", "ideal", or "optimal" can convey a higher degree of satisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a satisfactory one" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms such as "sufficient", "acceptable", or "adequate" to enhance readability and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory one" functions as a qualifier, typically referring to a solution, arrangement, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating it effectively describes something that meets a certain standard or expectation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a satisfactory one" is grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a qualifier, expressing approval or acceptance of a solution, outcome, or arrangement that meets expectations. While generally neutral in register, it's commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. To enhance writing, consider using stronger alternatives for emphasis and avoid overuse in formal reports. The phrase achieves its purpose by signaling that something fulfills requirements without being exceptional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acceptable option

Emphasizes the adequacy or permissibility of the choice.

a sufficient solution

Highlights that the solution is enough to meet the needs, but may not be ideal.

an adequate alternative

Suggests the alternative meets the minimum requirements, but doesn't excel.

a passable choice

Implies the option is barely acceptable or of low quality but still usable.

a decent selection

Indicates the selection is of reasonable quality, though not necessarily outstanding.

a reasonable compromise

Focuses on the aspect of agreement and mutual concession.

a tolerable outcome

Suggests the outcome is acceptable despite some potential drawbacks.

a fitting resolution

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the resolution for the given situation.

an agreeable arrangement

Highlights the pleasantness and ease of the agreement reached.

a compliant version

Indicates that something adapts to specific standards or regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a satisfactory one" to describe a solution, outcome, or choice that meets expectations. For instance, "The proposed arrangement proved to be "a satisfactory one" for both parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "a satisfactory one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an acceptable option", "a sufficient solution", or "an adequate alternative".

Is it better to say "a satisfactory one" or "a sufficient one"?

Both "a satisfactory one" and "a sufficient one" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Satisfactory" implies meeting expectations, while "sufficient" emphasizes that something is enough to meet the needs. The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what kind of writing is "a satisfactory one" most appropriate?

"A satisfactory one" is appropriate in a variety of writing contexts, including reports, business communications, and general correspondence. Its suitability depends on the desired tone and the need to convey that something meets requirements adequately.