it was respectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was respectable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is worthy of respect or admiration, often in a context where you are evaluating behavior, actions, or achievements. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, their efforts to help the community were commendable; it was respectable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was respectable to be a student.

The New Yorker

It wasn't a powerhouse, but it was respectable".

The New York Times - Sports

My score wasn't perfect, but it was respectable enough.

The New York Times - Travel

"Before I started doing it," Maria says, "I didn't think it was respectable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Once upon a time, it was respectable, even essential, to nurture one's art free from the taint of conventional taste.

The Guardian

It wasn't necessarily the first detective agency, but it was the first one that managed to convince people it was respectable.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"But it's respectable".

The New York Times

Now it is respectable.

The New York Times

It is respectable though unspectacular.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's respectable scientific opinion," he said.

The New York Times

This is not an idea confined to science fiction; it is respectable scientific speculation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was respectable", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you aim to emphasize moral uprightness, "it was honorable" might be a better fit. If you're focusing on reputation, consider "it was reputable".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "respectable" in formal writing. Vary your language with more specific terms like "honorable", "reputable", or "esteemed" to enhance the impact and precision of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was respectable" primarily functions as a subjective comment or evaluation, deeming something as worthy of respect or admiration. As supported by Ludwig's examples, it is used to express a favorable judgment about actions, qualities, or achievements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was respectable" is a grammatically correct phrase widely used to express approval or admiration for something deemed worthy of respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, but is most commonly found in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternative phrases accordingly. Overuse in formal writing should be avoided by incorporating synonyms such as "honorable", "reputable", or "esteemed" to increase precision and enhance overall effectiveness of your writing. The phrase is used when you need to communicate that a specific subject deserves esteem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was honorable

Emphasizes moral high ground and ethical behavior, adding a layer of dignity that "respectable" might not fully capture.

it was dignified

Highlights composure and grace, suggesting that the subject maintained a poised and refined demeanor.

it was reputable

Focuses on having a good reputation and being well-regarded by others, suggesting a solid standing in the community.

it was decent

Indicates adequacy and appropriateness, often implying that something met a basic standard of acceptability.

it was worthy of respect

Explicitly states that the subject deserved admiration or esteem, underlining a direct acknowledgment of value.

it was held in high regard

Highlights the positive opinion others had, reflecting its level of appreciation and esteem.

it was socially acceptable

Points out conformance to societal norms, fitting in well and meeting expectations.

it was considered proper

Signifies adherence to established rules or customs, presenting correctness in conduct and decorum.

it was above reproach

Implies that there was no basis for criticism or blame, pointing to impeccability and faultlessness.

it was beyond reproach

Implies being impeccable or faultless, emphasizing its blamelessness or innocence.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was respectable" to describe something that is worthy of admiration or consideration. For example, "Despite the challenges, their dedication to the project was respectable."

What can I say instead of "it was respectable"?

You can use alternatives like "it was honorable", "it was reputable", or "it was admirable" depending on the context.

Is "it was respectable" formal or informal?

"It was respectable" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but in formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives like "it was esteemed" or "it was venerable".

What's the difference between "it was respectable" and "it was respectful"?

"It was respectable" describes something worthy of respect, while "it was respectful" describes behavior that shows consideration for others. For example, "His actions were respectable" versus "He was respectful of their opinions".