have been satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or performance that has met expectations or standards over a period of time. Example: "The results of the project have been satisfactory, leading to further funding for our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Losing 50 was a triumph for NorthSouth, and losing 100 would have been satisfactory.

The New York Times

That said, it is obvious to me that no "plan" would have been satisfactory to the Democrats and their supporters.

The New York Times

Response times of such dynamic operations measured in such experiments have been satisfactory, in the order of tens of seconds.

Future Generation Computer Systems

He labors at music and lyrics, he said, unwilling to accept what would have been satisfactory to him a few years earlier, feeling stalled.

The New York Times

In truth, having drawn 11,220 for the memorable 2011 title victory, on penalties, against Harrisburg, anything over that figure would have been satisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

No, all in all, the first game would have been a scare that turned into relief and all would have been satisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We're not saying the Ethiopian response has been satisfactory.

The New York Times

Clinical performance has been satisfactory in 18 of 19 patients.

Stanford University

Youth and Community Development found that the Donna Reid group had been "satisfactory".

The New York Times

The reception had been satisfactory, but the reports reaching the campaign were disquieting.

The Washington Post

Why did you never say anything before?" "Because, mother," answers the German child, "up until now, everything has been satisfactory".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been satisfactory" to convey that a certain standard or expectation has been met over a period. This phrase is suitable for describing results, performance, or conditions that are acceptable but not necessarily exceptional.

Common error

While "have been satisfactory" is acceptable, overuse in formal reports or academic papers can make the assessment sound less impactful. Consider using stronger synonyms like "have exceeded expectations" or "have proven highly effective" to showcase outstanding results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been satisfactory" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to assess or evaluate a situation, performance, or outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that expectations or standards have been met without necessarily implying exceptional quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that something has met a certain level of expectation or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While it doesn't convey exceptional quality, it denotes acceptability or approval. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. For stronger expressions, consider alternatives such as "have exceeded expectations".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have met expectations

Focuses on fulfilling anticipated outcomes or requirements.

have proven sufficient

Emphasizes that something has demonstrated its ability to meet a need or requirement.

have been acceptable

Indicates a lower standard than satisfactory, implying just meeting the minimum requirement.

have sufficed

A more concise way of saying something has been enough or adequate.

have been adequate

Similar to "have been acceptable", suggesting barely sufficient performance.

have been up to par

Idiomatic expression indicating that something has reached the expected standard or level.

have passed muster

Suggests something has been approved or deemed acceptable after scrutiny.

have come up to scratch

British English equivalent of "have been up to par", indicating meeting requirements.

have stood up to scrutiny

Indicates that something has been examined closely and found to be satisfactory.

have held up well

Implies that something has maintained its satisfactory condition over time or under challenging circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "have been satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "have been satisfactory" to indicate that a certain level of performance, quality, or condition has been met. For example, "The results of the experiment "have been satisfactory", allowing us to proceed with the next phase."

What are some alternatives to "have been satisfactory"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "have been acceptable", "have been adequate", or "have met expectations". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "have been satisfactory" formal or informal?

"Have been satisfactory" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for most professional and academic contexts, but may sound somewhat stiff in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "have been satisfactory" and "have been excellent"?

"Have been satisfactory" implies that a minimum requirement or expectation has been met, while "have been excellent" suggests a much higher level of performance or quality that significantly exceeds expectations. "Have been excellent" indicates a more positive and impressive outcome.