is respectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is respectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is worthy of respect or admiration. Example: "His dedication to community service is respectable and sets a great example for others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is respectable though unspectacular.

The New York Times - Sports

Fuel economy is respectable, too.

The New York Times

His legal pedigree is respectable but unremarkable.

The New York Times

His social-media presence is respectable but not huge.

The New Yorker

His CV is respectable but neither riveting nor revealing.

The Guardian

The whiskey selection is respectable, the wines an afterthought.

The New York Times - Food

The resulting production is respectable but timid, almost straitlaced.

The New York Times

Germany gets as close to nul points as is respectable.

The Guardian

Another familiar dish, General Tso's chicken, is respectable and forgettable.

The New York Times

Reggaeton is respectable - "after 13 years of battle!" laughs Yankee.

The Guardian - Music

A contrast ratio of 1,000 1 is respectable — 2,000 1 is stellar.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is respectable" when you want to convey that something or someone meets a certain standard of decency, honor, or merit. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is respectable" when a stronger expression of admiration is warranted. For example, instead of saying 'Their groundbreaking research is respectable', consider 'Their groundbreaking research "is remarkable"' to better convey the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is respectable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality or character. Ludwig shows it's used to express that something possesses qualities deserving of respect or is considered decent and satisfactory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is respectable" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys approval or acknowledgment of a certain standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood, functioning as a predicate adjective to describe a quality worthy of respect. While it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings, remember that it can sometimes imply adequacy rather than exceptional merit. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "is admirable" or "is commendable" for stronger expressions of approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is estimable

Similar to "is respectable", but often used in more formal or literary contexts.

is admirable

Suggests a higher degree of approval and admiration than "is respectable".

is worthy

Implies that something deserves respect or admiration due to its inherent qualities.

is commendable

Highlights the praiseworthiness of something, similar to "is respectable" but with a focus on merit.

is reputable

Focuses on having a good reputation, which implies reliability and trustworthiness.

is honorable

Emphasizes the moral integrity and ethical standing, adding a layer of ethical consideration beyond mere respectability.

is creditable

Suggests that something is deserving of praise or recognition, though it may not be outstanding.

is decent

Indicates adequacy or suitability, often used in a less formal context than "is respectable".

is upstanding

Highlights moral character and adherence to ethical principles, conveying a sense of high integrity.

is impressive

Emphasizes the quality of inspiring admiration or respect, often due to scale or skill.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "is respectable"?

When something "is respectable", it means that it is worthy of respect or admiration. It suggests that something meets a certain standard of decency, honor, or merit.

What are some synonyms for "is respectable"?

Some alternatives to "is respectable" include "is admirable", "is commendable", "is honorable", and "is worthy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "is respectable"?

"Is respectable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral phrase that can be used in a variety of situations without sounding out of place.

Is it always positive to say something "is respectable"?

Generally, describing something as "is respectable" is positive. However, it can sometimes imply that something is merely adequate rather than exceptional. For instance, saying 'His effort is respectable' might imply that while his effort was good, it wasn't outstanding.