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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it's satisfactory

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I do hope it's satisfactory.

But we're only willing to do it if it's on our terms and if it's satisfactory to the Galaxy.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's satisfactory because we were better than we were last year," said Davies.

News & Media

BBC

"If it's satisfactory to the … court, then I think we will have found that win-win solution that we have been asking for all along".

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Bathe your duck overnight in a brine flavored with maple, rosemary, mustard and bourbon (the cook should always sample the liquor to make sure it's satisfactory, more than once if necessary), then slow-smoke the bird over hickory.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

I mean it's nice to know it's satisfactory, but I like to know if it's up or down.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We didn't think it was satisfactory.

Thomas questioned Rogers about whether it was satisfactory that Thomas Cook should have accepted that assurance from the hotel without question.

News & Media

The Guardian

More than half – 53.4% – rated his performance as poor or very poor, 18.8% said it was satisfactory, while the remaining 27.8% believed it was good or very good.

News & Media

The Guardian

Though a compromise version had to be worked out that would appeal to Southerners, it is satisfactory to others as well.

News & Media

The New Yorker

BMI is not a brilliant tool for every individual – biceps packed with muscle weigh as much as flab – but it is satisfactory at a population level.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's satisfactory" to convey a sense of adequacy or acceptance, but consider stronger synonyms if you want to express greater enthusiasm or approval.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it's satisfactory" in your writing, especially when describing something truly exceptional. Vary your vocabulary with more expressive alternatives like "excellent", "outstanding", or "remarkable" to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's satisfactory" functions as an adjective phrase providing a subjective assessment of a situation, object, or performance. As shown in Ludwig, the assessment indicates that something meets the minimum requirement or expectations but it's not outstanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

52%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's satisfactory" is a versatile adjective phrase used to convey a moderate level of acceptance or adequacy. Grammatically correct and found in various contexts, it suggests that something meets basic requirements without necessarily eliciting strong enthusiasm. As Ludwig confirms, it's a useful phrase for expressing a sense of 'good enough', though writers should be mindful of overusing it and consider stronger synonyms when appropriate. While not overwhelmingly common, its consistent presence across news, science, and general writing suggests its value in expressing a balanced assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "it's satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "it's satisfactory" to express that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations. For example, "The quality of the work isn't exceptional, but "it's satisfactory" for now".

What are some alternatives to "it's satisfactory"?

Some alternatives include "it's acceptable", "it's adequate", or "it meets expectations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it's satisfactory" formal or informal?

"It's satisfactory" falls in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "it suffices".

What does "it's satisfactory" imply?

"It's satisfactory" implies that something is good enough or meets a basic level of requirement. It does not necessarily indicate excitement or delight but rather a level of acceptance.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: