it was serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is functional or adequate for a particular purpose, even if it may not be exceptional. Example: "The old car was not in perfect condition, but it was serviceable enough for our road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Though it is noisy and can barely make 70 miles per hour, it was serviceable.

The New York Times - Travel

Robert Canning of IGN wrote "It wasn't the funniest of foreign land adventures, but it was serviceable.

Wikipedia

However, he also believed that it was serviceable, simply because there is something about sending a group off to face evil alone that is exciting.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If it's drinkable and looks OK, it's serviceable".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The favored riposte now is 7 b3, and it is serviceable, though hardly a world-beater.

The New York Times

It's no So Ghetto – what is? – but it's serviceable enough; the line "Vogueing on these niggas, champagne on my breath" means it immediately requires the video treatment, if only to see Jay-Z vogueing.

The Guardian - Music

It's serviceable, but we'd like to see Mazda go harder at Honda with its zoom-zoom campaign.

Forbes

It's serviceable and has a fast load time, but it hasn't differentiated itself from the crowd enough to get a buzz going about the product.

TechCrunch

Then The Ship (2016) continued his obsession with nautical imagery, and although not quite as "Big" as the Another Green World standout track, it's serviceable zen-out material with a few aggressive moments and a poignant cover of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free".

Vice

If it's serviceable and in good shape, there may be no need for more.

WikiHow

This allows you to check if it is serviceable and gives you time to make any repairs to broken straps or hinges in time for the morning when it is needed.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was serviceable" when you want to convey that something is functional or adequate, but not necessarily exceptional. It suggests a practical, rather than impressive, quality.

Common error

Avoid using "it was serviceable" when describing something truly outstanding or high-quality. The phrase implies a basic level of functionality, not excellence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was serviceable" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing something as adequately fulfilling its purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a level of functionality without implying exceptional quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was serviceable" is used to describe something that is adequately functional or usable, though not necessarily exceptional. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While not a common phrase, its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "it was adequate" or "it sufficed" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was adequate

This phrase directly states that something met the necessary requirements, though perhaps not exceptionally.

it was sufficient

Similar to 'adequate', this highlights that something was enough to serve its purpose.

it was usable

This alternative focuses on the functionality of something, implying it could be used effectively.

it was functional

Emphasizes that something was in working order and able to perform its intended function.

it sufficed

This alternative emphasizes that something was adequate to fulfill a need or requirement.

it served its purpose

Highlights that something successfully achieved its intended goal or function.

it met the need

This indicates that something fulfilled a specific requirement or purpose effectively.

it did the job

This idiom conveys that something fulfilled its intended function, even if in a basic or unremarkable way.

it held up

This suggests that something remained in good condition or functional despite potential challenges.

it passed muster

This idiom implies that something met the required standards or expectations.

FAQs

What does "it was serviceable" mean?

The phrase "it was serviceable" means that something was adequate or functional for a particular purpose, even if it wasn't exceptional or outstanding. It implies a basic level of usefulness or functionality.

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

You can use alternatives like "it sufficed", "it was adequate", or "it was sufficient" depending on the context.

Is "it was serviceable" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was serviceable" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in slightly more formal writing or speech. However, consider other options for informal writing.

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

You can use "it was serviceable" to describe an object, system, or process that functions well enough to meet requirements. For instance, "The old car wasn't pretty, but "it was serviceable" for getting around town."