generally satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that meets the basic requirements or expectations but may not exceed them. Example: "The results of the survey were generally satisfactory, indicating that most participants were pleased with the service provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several studies have evaluated the validity of diagnoses recorded in the general practice research database with generally satisfactory results.

British Medical Journal

In those experiences the technical, social and cultural results were generally satisfactory for the involved subjects: city authorities, citizens, craftsmen, professionals, general contractors (Dioguardi 2015).

City, Territory and Architecture

Generally, satisfactory treatment of landfill leachate is dependent on methods applied to leachate generation handling.

Applied Water Science

Its status appears to be generally satisfactory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Edoardo Muller's conducting was sometimes fragmented, but generally satisfactory.

The New York Times - Arts

Agreement with experimental data is generally satisfactory.

Journal of Computational Physics

The FSA emergency audit of the Llangefni site rated it as "generally satisfactory".

The Guardian

French President Francois Hollande called observation of the ceasefire "generally satisfactory".

The Economist

The shop carries soups, salads and prepared dishes as well as frozen entrees of generally satisfactory quality.

The New York Times

The agreement between the measured and predicted lumen output is generally satisfactory.

Energy and Buildings

Generally satisfactory evolution of first, second, and some higher order moments is found.

Computers & Fluids

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally satisfactory", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term would be more appropriate. While it indicates an acceptable level, it may lack the detail needed for specific situations.

Common error

Avoid using "generally satisfactory" when a higher degree of precision is required. In formal reports or evaluations, consider more specific terms like "exceeds expectations", "meets requirements", or "requires improvement" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally satisfactory" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that something meets a basic level of acceptance or adequacy, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally satisfactory" is a common adjective phrase used to describe something that meets basic requirements or expectations without necessarily being outstanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and finds usage across various domains. While it conveys an acceptable level, it is essential to consider the context for more precise language if needed. Alternatives like "largely acceptable" or "reasonably adequate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. In formal settings, substituting it with terms like "meets expectations" might add more clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely acceptable

This alternative focuses on the acceptance level rather than pure satisfaction.

reasonably adequate

This alternative emphasizes the adequacy or sufficiency of something.

mostly sufficient

This alternative stresses that something is mainly enough or adequate.

broadly acceptable

This phrase highlights a wide degree of acceptance.

fairly adequate

This indicates that something is more than just adequate, but not excellent.

moderately pleasing

This suggests a degree of pleasure or satisfaction that is not extreme.

passably good

This means something is good enough, but perhaps not outstanding.

serviceable enough

This implies the thing is functional and meets basic needs.

tolerably fine

This suggests something is acceptable but not necessarily great.

adequately fulfilling

This indicates that something meets requirements adequately.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally satisfactory" to describe something that meets basic requirements or expectations but may not exceed them. For example: "The results of the experiment were "generally satisfactory", indicating that the hypothesis was supported."

What are some alternatives to "generally satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "largely acceptable", "reasonably adequate", or "mostly sufficient" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "generally satisfactory" in a formal report?

While "generally satisfactory" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate to use more specific terms in a formal report, such as "meets expectations" or "adequately fulfills requirements", for greater clarity.

What does "generally satisfactory" imply about the quality of something?

It implies that something is acceptable or adequate but not necessarily excellent or outstanding. It suggests that the basic requirements have been met.