it was palatable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was palatable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe food or drink that is acceptable or pleasant to taste. Example: "Although the dish was not gourmet, it was palatable enough for a casual dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was palatable to a mass audience because the characters, played by sympathetic actors, spoke to the darker side of human nature but almost always got their comeuppance.

The New York Times - Arts

"We obviously do research, and it was a really popular record, and we felt like it was worth a shot just to see if it was palatable with our listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't just mean old paintings and books and furniture, which there were plenty, I mean just old -- it hung in the air -- it was palatable.

Huffington Post

I'd never gotten a high enough volume of feedback from the general public to know if it was palatable or not.

Vice

People have been known to deep fry MDMA and claim that it was palatable; which is either a lie, or a miracle.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"But looking at it both as a person who would build a house and as one who would buy a house, I think it's palatable". Pomona is desperate for commercial development to bolster its sales tax revenue.

Los Angeles Times

It's palatable".

The New York Times

It is palatable to Marxist-Leninism because it emphasises those points without reference to God.

Independent

Whether it's palatable or not, the recovery is in motion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"People generally eat what is put in front of them if it is palatable," said Brian Wansink, Cornell Food and Brand Lab director.

Cornell University

It is, a cynic might point out, a familiar story: A couple of white guys appropriate a popular black style, and suddenly it's palatable to indie rockers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was palatable" when you want to express that something was acceptable or agreeable, especially in terms of taste or experience. It implies a level of satisfaction without necessarily being exceptional.

Common error

While "palatable" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "acceptable", "suitable", or "agreeable" to maintain a sophisticated tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was palatable" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or quality of the subject (it). Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it is grammatically sound and meaningful.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was palatable" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that something is acceptable or agreeable. While not extremely common, as indicated by Ludwig, it finds its place in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. It’s important to consider the context when using the phrase, opting for more formal synonyms like "acceptable" or "suitable" in highly formal writing. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and suitable for describing food, ideas, or experiences that meet a basic standard of satisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was acceptable

Focuses on the adequacy or permissibility of something, rather than its pleasantness.

it was agreeable

Emphasizes the pleasant or pleasing nature of something.

it was tolerable

Suggests that something was endurable or bearable, perhaps not ideal but sufficient.

it was suitable

Indicates that something was appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.

it was congenial

Highlights the harmonious or compatible quality of something.

it was pleasant

Focuses on the enjoyable or delightful aspect of something.

it was enjoyable

Emphasizes the positive experience or satisfaction derived from something.

it was pleasurable

Highlights the gratification or delightfulness associated with something.

it was attractive

Indicates that something was appealing or inviting.

it was tasty

Relates specifically to the flavor or taste of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was palatable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was palatable" to describe food, ideas, or situations that are acceptable or agreeable. For example, "Although the dish wasn't gourmet, "it was palatable" enough for a quick lunch" or "The compromise, while not ideal, "it was palatable" to both sides".

What's the difference between "it was palatable" and "it was delicious"?

"It was delicious" indicates a high degree of enjoyment and excellent taste. "It was palatable", on the other hand, suggests that something was merely acceptable or agreeable, without necessarily being outstanding. "Delicious" expresses strong positive sentiment, while "palatable" implies a milder acceptance.

Which is more formal, "it was palatable" or "it was acceptable"?

"It was acceptable" tends to be more formal than "it was palatable". "Palatable" often relates to taste or sensory experiences, while "acceptable" can apply to a broader range of situations, making it suitable for more formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "it was palatable" to describe an idea?

To describe an idea, you can use alternatives like "it was acceptable", "it was suitable", or "it was agreeable". These options convey the idea that the concept was satisfactory or well-received without necessarily being exceptionally innovative or exciting.