a satisfactory state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation that meets certain standards or expectations. Example: "After several discussions, we finally reached a satisfactory state regarding the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Longworth believes that a combination of market solutions and government intervention will be required before a satisfactory state of affairs is reached.

The Guardian

Maurici said, although high court judge Mr Justice Foskett had found her sacking lawful in a judicial review ruling in March 2010, he had said he did not think that "any fair-minded person could think that this was a satisfactory state of affairs".

The Guardian

"The notice contains steps which legally oblige the company to return the site to a satisfactory state and to remove the risks of pollution".

BBC

A new approach to the interpretation of treatment success comprises the reporting of the proportion of patients whose symptoms have reduced to an acceptable level, ie, who have reached a satisfactory state.

The Spine Journal

Under our experimental conditions, the duodenal motility was maintained in a satisfactory state for 6 7 h during which the amplitude of contractions decreased slowly.

Plosone

eA patient was considered as achieving a satisfactory state according to PASS if his/her value for OA pain intensity was less than or equal to 32.3 mm.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If the managers earn $2.15bn, and the investors pay these sums happily on the grounds that the managers will make far bigger sums for the investors, that is a perfectly satisfactory state of affairs for the managers and investors.

The Economist

Sometimes letting the competitive colleagues just do their thing while you do yours can be a very satisfactory state of affairs for everyone, provided it has positive benefits for the workplace as a whole.

WikiHow

"Control of it lay in my own hands, this was an entirely satisfactory state of affairs".

The Guardian

The thermal ALD-grown amorphous AlN passivation layer owns a satisfactory interface state and film quality.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Judge et al. found 70.4% of patients reached a satisfactory symptom state based on thresholds for absolute change using a cut-off of 50, and thus 29.6% were grouped as not satisfied.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress or outcomes, use "a satisfactory state" to indicate that a certain level of achievement or condition has been met. This conveys a sense of accomplishment without necessarily implying perfection.

Common error

Avoid using "a satisfactory state" when the situation is truly exceptional. The phrase implies meeting a minimum requirement, so use stronger language if the state is significantly above average or exemplary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory state" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a condition or situation that meets a certain level of acceptability or adequacy, as seen in Ludwig examples where it describes outcomes, health conditions, or understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a satisfactory state" is a phrase used to describe a condition or situation that meets a certain level of acceptability, without necessarily implying perfection. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both scientific and news contexts. While the phrase does not denote an exceptional condition, it is an appropriate descriptor when a certain threshold or requirement has been met. Several alternatives, such as "an acceptable condition" and "a pleasing situation", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is versatile and can be used in varied writing registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acceptable condition

Focuses on the acceptability of the condition, implying it meets a minimum requirement.

a pleasing situation

Emphasizes the pleasant aspect of the situation, suggesting it brings about satisfaction.

an adequate status

Highlights the sufficiency of the status, indicating it's good enough for the purpose.

a sufficient level

Stresses that the level reached is enough, fulfilling the need or demand.

a tolerable circumstance

Suggests the circumstances are bearable, though maybe not ideal.

a manageable situation

Indicates the situation is under control and can be handled effectively.

a passable scenario

Implies the scenario meets a basic standard and is just acceptable.

an average condition

Indicates a state that is neither particularly good nor bad, but rather typical or standard.

a standard situation

Highlights that the situation conforms to a recognized standard or norm.

a reasonable condition

Suggests a condition that is fair and sensible, meeting logical criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "a satisfactory state" to describe a condition or situation that meets certain requirements or expectations. For example: "After several discussions, we finally reached a satisfactory state regarding the project's progress."

What are some alternatives to "a satisfactory state"?

Some alternatives include "an acceptable condition", "a pleasing situation", or "an adequate status". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a satisfactory state"?

It's appropriate to use "a satisfactory state" when you want to convey that something is good enough or meets a minimum standard, but not necessarily outstanding or exceptional.

What is the difference between "a satisfactory state" and "a perfect state"?

"A satisfactory state" implies meeting a minimum requirement, while "a perfect state" suggests an ideal and flawless condition. Use "a satisfactory state" when something is good enough, and "a perfect state" when it's flawless.