ordinary quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary quality" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is of average or standard quality, not exceptional or subpar. For example, "The restaurant served food of ordinary quality, which was disappointing given the high prices." Alternative expressions include "average quality" and "mediocre quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In none of the theories is the memory involved a memory of ordinary quality.

The New Yorker

Robbins kept searching for what he called a special "ordinary" quality for his cast — he didn't want actors who looked too polished or flashy to be convincing as poor Jews.

The New York Times

(Intentionality in this sense is distinct from the ordinary quality of being intended, as when one intends to do something.) Thus, believing is necessarily believing that something is the case; desiring is necessarily desiring something; intending is necessarily intending to do something.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Apart from the ultimately ordinary quality of her voice, there's her looks.

Huffington Post

Among the interventions undertaken in this study, additional emphasis on potential dispute cases above and beyond ordinary quality control helped to decrease mistakes that resulted from neglect.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Her description is loving and positive, yet she emphasizes ordinary qualities as well as angelic ones.

The New York Times

Those social exceptions, people whose qualities are piled high at the extremes of good and evil but are lacking in the center, in the ordinary qualities, are aristocrats.

The New Yorker

This isn't about the ordinary quality-of-service risks of cloud computing such as downtime; these are user experience risks of relying on external policies and practices that could be considered censorship or inappropriate aggregation with data from sites you haven't even heard of.

TechCrunch

While these sound written down like ordinary qualities, they are not.

Vice

When they are in ordinary costumes, the ordinary or less-than-ordinary quality of Ms. Sperling's choreography is exposed.

The New York Times - Arts

"The most exciting manhattan is one compounded with ordinary-quality bar whiskey rather than the rarest overproof article," Mr. Beebe wrote.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products or services, use "ordinary quality" to set realistic expectations or to differentiate them from premium offerings. For instance, "While our basic package offers functionality of "ordinary quality", our premium package provides enhanced features and superior performance."

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary quality" as a primary selling point. While honesty is appreciated, highlighting only the average nature of a product can deter potential customers. Instead, focus on the product's value or affordability if its quality is merely adequate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary quality" functions as a descriptive term, where "ordinary" modifies the noun "quality". Ludwig examples show its use to characterize a standard or average level, neither exceptional nor particularly poor. This term is used to set expectations or differentiate from higher grades.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary quality" is a descriptive term indicating a standard or average level. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, scientific and encyclopedic content. While acceptable in formal writing, it's important to consider the context and potential connotations. When communicating about the standards of certain elements, consider using alternatives such as "average quality", "standard quality" or "typical quality" for increased clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

average quality

Replaces "ordinary" with "average", indicating a standard or typical level of quality.

standard quality

Substitutes "ordinary" with "standard", suggesting conformity to a defined level of quality.

typical quality

Replaces "ordinary" with "typical", indicating that the quality is representative of its kind.

common quality

Changes "ordinary" to "common", implying that the level of quality is frequently encountered.

run-of-the-mill quality

Replaces "ordinary" with "run-of-the-mill", indicating that the quality is not special or exceptional.

mediocre quality

Substitutes "ordinary" with "mediocre", suggesting a quality that is not very good.

conventional quality

Replaces "ordinary" with "conventional", highlighting that the quality adheres to established norms.

humdrum quality

Changes "ordinary" to "humdrum", suggesting a boring or unexciting level of quality.

lackluster quality

Replaces "ordinary" with "lackluster", implying that the quality is uninspired or dull.

unexceptional quality

Substitutes "ordinary" with "unexceptional", emphasizing that the quality is not noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary quality" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary quality" to describe something that is of average or standard quality. For example, "The restaurant served food of "ordinary quality", which was adequate but not exceptional."

What's the difference between "ordinary quality" and "superior quality"?

"Ordinary quality" refers to something that is of average or standard quality, while "superior quality" indicates something that is of a higher or exceptional standard. Therefore, consider using the two phrases to describe opposite extremes in the value proposition of a product.

What can I say instead of "ordinary quality"?

You can use alternatives like "average quality", "standard quality", or "typical quality" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "ordinary quality" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "ordinary quality" in formal writing when you need to describe something that is of average or standard quality. However, be aware of the potential negative connotations and consider using a more neutral term like "average quality" if appropriate.