a satisfactory sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an amount of money or a quantity that meets expectations or requirements. Example: "After negotiating, we finally agreed on a satisfactory sum for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A satisfactory critical summing-up of Busch's long career may take a while; over a span of 35 years, he produced some 22 books of fiction, including five previous volumes of stories, and four works of nonfiction.

The New York Times - Books

But this sum can also be rewritten 1 − (1 − 1 + 1 − 1 + …) = 1 − 0 since we've just shown that the term in parentheses vanishes—= 1. Relying on intuitions about how to perform infinite sums leads to the conclusion that 1 = 0. Until one can give a theory of infinite sums that can give a satisfactory answer to any problem, one cannot say that Zeno's infinite sum is obviously finite.

SEP

To gain a satisfactory S/N ratio five scans were summed, with data points averaged by three-point triangular smoothing.

Amino Acids

The distribution describing melting into solution required a sum of three exponential functions (three melting modes) for a satisfactory fit, while the distribution describing melting onto the surface was fit with two melting modes.

ACS Nano

What a satisfactory lesson!

The Guardian

A satisfactory answer evades me.

The New York Times

Burning coal was not a satisfactory alternative.

Harvard Business Review

It wasn't a satisfactory trip.

The New Yorker

We are being told a satisfactory tale.

The Guardian - Books

She thought this was a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Neither of these make a satisfactory opposition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a satisfactory sum", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the sum satisfactory. Specify the purpose or need the sum fulfills for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the monetary value without explaining the context. For example, instead of just saying "a satisfactory sum was paid", specify why it was satisfactory, such as "a satisfactory sum was paid to cover all expenses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory sum" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "satisfactory" modifies the noun "sum". It describes an amount that meets expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a satisfactory sum" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase referring to an amount that meets expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers context for its use. While it's not extremely common, it's versatile enough for various situations, from formal negotiations to general discussions. Related phrases include "an acceptable amount" and "a reasonable figure". Remember to provide context when using this phrase to specify why the sum is considered satisfactory. The register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An acceptable amount

Focuses on the acceptability of the quantity.

A reasonable figure

Emphasizes the fairness and justification of the amount.

An adequate quantity

Highlights that the amount is sufficient for a specific purpose.

A sufficient sum

Indicates the amount is enough to meet a particular need or requirement.

A fair settlement

Implies an agreement on an amount that is just and equitable to all parties involved.

A decent amount

Suggests the quantity is respectable and meets a certain standard.

An agreeable price

Focuses on the mutual consent and satisfaction with the cost.

A considerable sum

Highlights the largeness or significance of the amount.

A respectable quantity

Indicates the amount is worthy of esteem and meets expectations.

A fulfilling amount

Emphasizes the sense of satisfaction derived from the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a satisfactory sum" when referring to an amount of money or quantity that adequately meets expectations or requirements. For example: "After negotiating, we agreed on a satisfactory sum for the project."

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

You can use alternatives like "an acceptable amount", "a reasonable figure", or "an adequate quantity" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a satisfactory sum" and "a considerable sum"?

"A satisfactory sum" implies that the amount meets certain requirements or expectations, providing contentment. "A considerable sum", on the other hand, emphasizes the largeness or significance of the amount, without necessarily implying it's satisfactory for a specific purpose.

Is "a satisfactory sum" formal or informal?

"A satisfactory sum" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It's generally considered neutral and appropriate for most types of communication.