it was satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something met your expectations or requirements in a positive manner. Example: "The service at the restaurant was good, and overall, it was satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We didn't think it was satisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

The company did not disclose the exact amount of the compensation but workers and activists said it was satisfactory.

The Washington Post

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

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.

The Guardian

"A decade ago it was satisfactory to put on a good gig and cross your fingers that you would make money," said Kenneth C. Fischer, the society's president.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't know the nature of the treatment he was getting and when I've been around I haven't thought it was satisfactory, and the only reason I've been aware of that is because it's Gurrumul and he's someone who I've worked with," Garrett said.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I do hope it's satisfactory.

The Guardian - Film

It is satisfactory that Sir William Herschel's accuracy of statement is once more vindicated.

Nature

It is satisfactory to note also that the physiology of the developmental processes is not entirely passed over.

Nature

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was satisfactory", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. It suggests something is acceptable but not necessarily exceptional. Choose a more descriptive adjective if you want to express a stronger positive or negative sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "it was satisfactory" as a default positive evaluation. Instead, use more precise language to reflect the specific qualities you appreciated. For instance, instead of saying 'the presentation was satisfactory', consider 'the presentation was well-researched and clearly delivered'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was satisfactory" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something met a certain level of expectation or requirement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively conveying that something met expectations in a positive manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey that something met expectations without necessarily exceeding them. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's prevalent in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral tone. While acceptable, writers should consider stronger or more precise adjectives for added impact or clarity, avoiding overuse in favor of more descriptive language. Understanding the context and desired nuance is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it met expectations

Directly states that hopes or predictions were fulfilled.

it was acceptable

Indicates a basic level of agreement or tolerance, possibly lower than 'satisfactory'.

it was good enough

Suggests acceptance despite possible imperfections.

it was adequate

Implies just enough to meet a requirement; may lack excellence.

it was all right

Indicates a mild level of satisfaction or agreement.

it was sufficient

Suggests meeting a need or goal without exceeding it.

it filled the bill

An idiomatic expression for fulfilling a requirement.

it was up to par

Uses a golfing metaphor to indicate meeting a standard.

it sufficed

A more formal way of saying 'it was enough'.

it was passable

Indicates a minimal level of acceptance, often with flaws.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it was acceptable", "it was adequate", or "it met expectations" depending on the context.

How to use "it was satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "it was satisfactory" to describe something that met the minimum requirements or expectations, but was not necessarily outstanding. For example, "The quality of the product was not excellent, but "it was satisfactory" for the price."

Is "it was satisfactory" formal or informal?

"It was satisfactory" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more specific or descriptive language may be preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "it was satisfactory" and "it was excellent"?

"It was satisfactory" implies that something met the basic requirements or expectations, while "it was excellent" indicates that something exceeded expectations and was of very high quality. Satisfaction is a lower bar than excellence.