more than satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than satisfactory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is more positive than just satisfactory, such as excellent. For example: The quality of her work was more than satisfactory; it was exceptional.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

We continue to expect a more than satisfactory outcome, on the basis of trade press reporting.

The Guardian - Business

It's always a little surprising, then, to find one that's more than satisfactory.

The New York Times

At the moment, he added, the rest seemed to be in "more than satisfactory" condition.

The New York Times

As it was, United's situation was no more than satisfactory at the end of the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

One hesitates to speak ill of a venerable institution during a process of rebuilding, and generally speaking, Musica Sacra's work was more than satisfactory.

The New York Times - Arts

And some of the food is more than satisfactory, especially the appetizers, although there is a lack of consistency in quality and preparation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

(Speaking of which spoiler alert is it in her contract that every horror film she does must feature her pulling a large shard of glass out of a limb?) Rachel Griffiths is a more-than-satisfactory heir to Julia Blake's brilliant Matron Cassidy, with Griffiths nailing the ice queen routine.

Vice

When working conditions forced FPs to act as consultants they had to rely on the initiative of the DNs sometimes more than they found satisfactory.

BMC Family Practice

Some 45 per cent described their work-life balance as less than satisfactory; more than a quarter either took no paternity leave or did not take their full share.

Independent

Although the upper extremity is not included in this paper, it should be mentioned that the results of transplantation in the arm and forearm are much more uniformly satisfactory than in the lower extremity.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

You could put small kids in back, but a pair of largish adults would find it less than satisfactory for more than a short jaunt.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than satisfactory", ensure that the context supports the implication of exceeding basic expectations. It's best suited for scenarios where a simple 'satisfactory' wouldn't fully capture the positive assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "more than satisfactory" in contexts where a simple "satisfactory" or "acceptable" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere; reserve it for situations where the outcome truly surpasses expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than satisfactory" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the noun as being better than just satisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms this by indicating that the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to describe something that exceeds expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various reputable sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it is suitable for professional contexts, remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding hyperbolic, ensuring it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives like "excellent" or "exceptional" can be considered for stylistic variation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "more than satisfactory" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent

A general term indicating very high quality or performance, closely aligned with "more than satisfactory".

exceptional

Implies that something is far beyond the ordinary, standing out as remarkable.

outstanding

Similar to exceptional, stressing the superior quality or performance.

more than adequate

Suggests that something is not only sufficient but also has a surplus of quality.

exceeds expectations

Highlights a performance or outcome surpassing initial anticipations.

highly acceptable

Emphasizes the approval of something to a great degree.

above average

Indicates a level of quality or performance better than the norm.

first-rate

Denotes top-tier quality, often used in formal assessments.

top-notch

An informal way to describe something of very high quality.

commendable

Focuses on the praiseworthy nature of an action or achievement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "more than satisfactory" in a sentence?

Use "more than satisfactory" to describe situations or outcomes that not only meet but also exceed expectations. For instance, "The project's results were "more than satisfactory", leading to increased investment."

What are some alternatives to "more than satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent", "exceptional", or "outstanding" depending on the context. Each of these implies a level of quality or performance that goes beyond merely satisfactory.

What's the difference between "satisfactory" and "more than satisfactory"?

"Satisfactory" indicates that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations. "More than satisfactory", on the other hand, suggests that something not only meets but also surpasses those expectations, implying a higher level of quality or performance.

Is it appropriate to use "more than satisfactory" in formal writing?

Yes, "more than satisfactory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to convey that something has exceeded expectations. However, ensure that its use is justified by the context and that it accurately reflects the level of performance or quality being described.