a satisfactory response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reply or answer that meets the expectations or requirements of a situation. Example: "The committee was pleased to receive a satisfactory response to their inquiries regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To add to her troubles, Miller is also the minister responsible for ensuring a satisfactory response to the Leveson report on the press.

The Guardian

"We have already emphasized many times that we request the Philippines investigate thoroughly, punish those responsible and give the fishermen a satisfactory response," said the spokesman, Yang Yi.

The New York Times

She said she never received a "satisfactory response".

Independent

"That's been shown by the lack of a satisfactory response to our ads".

The New York Times

Claudia stared back encouragingly, but clearly unwilling to accept that as a satisfactory response.

The Guardian

"I raised my own concerns about Clarke with Grant Shapps and never received a satisfactory response".

The Guardian

Despite being pushed in this direction by Sanders in the Democratic primary, Clinton never really found a satisfactory response.

The Guardian

We are asking the Greater London Authority questions about it but we haven't yet had a satisfactory response.

The Guardian

"I raised my own concerns about Clarke with Grant Shapps and never received a satisfactory response," she told the Guardian.

The Guardian

If a satisfactory response is not received within two months, a case at the European court could follow.

The Guardian

The letter also set a deadline at 5pm next Wednesday for Mr Hargreaves to provide a "satisfactory response".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a satisfactory response" when you want to convey that a reply or reaction has met the necessary requirements or expectations. Ensure the context clearly indicates what constitutes 'satisfactory' in that particular situation.

Common error

While "a satisfactory response" is widely applicable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider simpler alternatives like "good answer" or "that works" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory response" functions as a noun phrase, where 'satisfactory' is an adjective modifying the noun 'response'. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, commonly used to indicate that a reply or reaction meets the required expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a satisfactory response" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a reply or reaction has met the necessary requirements or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While "a satisfactory response" is generally appropriate, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives in informal situations to maintain a natural tone. The phrase serves to provide assurance that a standard or requirement has been fulfilled.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gratifying response

This alternative suggests the response is pleasing and provides satisfaction.

a sufficient response

This suggests the response meets the minimum requirement or is adequate.

an adequate answer

Focuses on the answer being good enough or acceptable for the purpose.

an acceptable reply

Indicates the reply is allowable and meets a certain standard.

a fitting reaction

This alternative conveys the reaction is suitable or appropriate for the situation.

a suitable answer

Emphasizes the appropriateness and relevance of the answer.

an appropriate reply

Highlights the relevance and correctness of the reply in a particular context.

a convincing explanation

Indicates the explanation is persuasive and believable.

a successful resolution

Focuses on the positive outcome or solving of an issue through the response.

a positive outcome

Highlights the beneficial result achieved through the response.

FAQs

How to use "a satisfactory response" in a sentence?

You can use "a satisfactory response" to indicate that a reply or reaction has met the required expectations. For example, "The company provided "a satisfactory response" to the customer's complaint."

What can I say instead of "a satisfactory response"?

You can use alternatives like "a sufficient response", "an adequate answer", or "an acceptable reply" depending on the context.

Is "a satisfactory response" formal or informal?

"A satisfactory response" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts but might sound overly formal in very casual settings.

Which is correct, "a satisfactory response" or "an satisfactory response"?

"A satisfactory response" is correct. Since "satisfactory" begins with a consonant sound, the indefinite article "a" is used instead of "an".