but still usable

USAGE SUMMARY

"but still usable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been damaged or worn down, but is still able to be used or operated in some capacity. For example, "The car was badly dented, but still usable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The semen sample was badly degraded, but still usable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some institutions have turned to interventions like reducing their use of materials, recycling what they do use, and donating leftover but still usable items to developing nations.

The New York Times - Health

Some also collect old but still usable phones that can be refurbished and supplied to low-income individuals both in the US and abroad, who couldn't otherwise afford a new phone.

Vice

"SDN 67, the one in the middle, was a mess, but still usable".

Unicef

Buy things like paracord and use strong metal hooks to grapple up walls etc. Make them light and small but still usable.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Landis is better at describing a different sort of ache: the uncertainty of deciding when and how to swap out a painful-but-still-usable body part.

The New York Times - Magazine

The screen had a hole in it, but was still usable.

Forbes

Group 4 contained tests not meeting EOT criteria but were still usable in determining prevalence estimates.

BMJ Open

A big reason for its adoption is the popularity of the dump's "still good" table, where residents disposing of their trash put items that they no longer want but that are still usable.

The New York Times

I'm not wild about the trackpad, but it's still usable.

TechCrunch

But it's still usable – all we have to do is ignore everything before 1998, a freakishly hot year caused by regular temperature shifts in the Pacific known as "El Nino", and then see if 2013 beat the record.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of an item, follow "but still usable" with a specific detail about what makes it practical. For example, "The phone screen is cracked, but still usable for basic functions."

Common error

Avoid using "but still usable" without clarifying the limitations. Instead of saying "The old software is but still usable", specify, "The old software is "but still usable" for legacy projects, but not for new development."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but still usable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the condition of something, indicating that it retains functionality despite some defect or limitation. Ludwig AI examples showcase its descriptive use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but still usable" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe something retaining functionality despite being flawed or damaged. Ludwig AI shows that while not overly common, it appears across diverse sources like News & Media and Wiki, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases such as "though functional" and "serviceable despite flaws" offer similar meanings. When using "but still usable", specify limitations to ensure clarity. Overall, it is a practical phrase for conveying retained usability. Its presence in varied sources confirms its place as a functional descriptive element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though functional

Replaces "but still usable" with a simpler phrase emphasizing functionality despite limitations.

serviceable despite flaws

Highlights that something is usable for service even with existing imperfections.

impaired yet operational

Emphasizes that usability persists even with impairment or reduced functionality.

damaged but working

Focuses on the contrast between damage and the continued ability to function.

not perfect but adequate

Indicates that although not ideal, something meets the minimum requirements for use.

faulty yet practical

Implies usability despite existing faults or defects.

worn but effective

Highlights usability despite wear and tear.

partially broken yet functional

Specifies that although partly damaged, the item still functions.

limited but available

Indicates usability is retained despite restrictions or limitations.

reduced but applicable

Suggests usability in a reduced or altered capacity.

FAQs

What does "but still usable" mean?

The phrase "but still usable" means that something is in a state of disrepair or is not in perfect condition, yet it can still be used for its intended purpose.

How can I use "but still usable" in a sentence?

You can use "but still usable" to describe something that is not new or perfect, yet it has enough functionality to be used. For example, "The car is old, but "still usable" for short trips."

Which is more appropriate, "but still usable" or "but still useful"?

"But still usable" and "but still useful" are similar, however "but still usable" implies a greater degree of degradation or wear. "But still useful" simply means it provides value.

What can I say instead of "but still usable"?

You can use alternatives like "though functional", "serviceable despite flaws", or "impaired yet operational" depending on the context.