is serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is functional or adequate for a particular purpose, though it may not be exceptional. Example: "The old laptop is serviceable for basic tasks like browsing the internet and word processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Robert's is serviceable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Otherwise, the site is serviceable and clean.

The New York Times

At its best, his prose is serviceable.

The New York Times - Books

The food is serviceable, sometimes much better.

The New York Times

The predicted result is serviceable for the formation design.

Journal of Crystal Growth

While interest rates are low, this debt is serviceable.

Independent

Even Billy Magnussen is serviceable as Kato Kaelin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The libretto, adapted by manifold hands from Schiller's 1804 play, is serviceable but wayward.

The New York Times - Arts

García's English is serviceable but not fluent, and Wayne and Kinoshita translated his remarks.

The New Yorker

Despite not being an elite defensive prospect, he is serviceable at both catcher and first base.

The Washington Post

As long as the frame is serviceable and not aesthetically repugnant, it can be cheap.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is serviceable" when you want to convey that something is adequate or functional, without necessarily being exceptional. It's suitable for describing tools, equipment, or skills that meet basic requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "is serviceable" when you want to express high quality or excellence. The phrase suggests adequacy, not superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is serviceable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes something that is functional or adequate for a specific purpose. It's often used to indicate that an item or skill meets the basic requirements without necessarily being outstanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is serviceable" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is functional or adequate, though not necessarily exceptional. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts, as supported by the numerous examples found in news articles, scientific publications, and other sources. As Ludwig confirms, it is acceptable to use the expression in several contexts. The expert rating also confirms that "is serviceable" can be considered appropriate in several contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of adequacy rather than excellence, and avoid overstating the quality of the subject being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is adequate

Suggests a basic level of sufficiency, perhaps lacking excellence but still meeting requirements.

is functional

Focuses on the ability to perform a task or fulfill a purpose effectively.

is in working order

Highlights the operational status of something, implying it's ready for use.

is usable

Emphasizes the suitability of something for a specific purpose or task.

is sufficient

Indicates that something meets the necessary requirements or is enough.

is acceptable

Suggests a level of quality or performance that is satisfactory, though perhaps not ideal.

is satisfactory

Similar to "is acceptable", but may imply a slightly higher standard of meeting expectations.

is fit for purpose

Highlights the suitability of something for a specific task or intended use.

is good enough

Indicates a minimum acceptable standard, suggesting that further improvement is not necessary.

will suffice

Implies that something is adequate to meet a specific need or requirement, though it may not be the best option.

FAQs

How can I use "is serviceable" in a sentence?

You can use "is serviceable" to describe something that's functional and adequate, but perhaps not outstanding. For instance: "The old car "is serviceable" for short trips around town".

What are some alternatives to "is serviceable"?

Alternatives include "is adequate", "is functional", or "is usable", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is serviceable" instead of "is excellent"?

"Is serviceable" is appropriate when something meets the basic requirements and functions adequately. "Is excellent" should be used when something exceeds expectations and demonstrates superior quality or performance. They are not interchangeable.

Is it correct to say something "is serviceable", or should I use another phrase?

Yes, it's perfectly correct to say something ""is serviceable"". According to Ludwig, the phrase ""is serviceable"" is appropriate and usable in written English to describe something that is functional or adequate for a particular purpose.