pass muster

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass muster" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something meets the necessary requirements to be accepted or approved. For example, "His speech passed muster with the committee and he was offered the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

To pass muster.

The New Yorker

Did Mukesh Kumar pass muster?

Independent

Does it pass muster?

The Guardian

But not any pseudonym will pass muster.

The New York Times

Still, their paperwork didn't pass muster.

The New York Times

How to pass muster with the lender?

The New York Times

The cubes did not pass muster.

The New York Times - Books

That distinction doesn't pass muster.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This ad would of course never pass muster today.

Vice

Those that pass muster are adopted.

The Economist

Will moaning pass muster?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass muster" to convey that something has met a specific standard or passed an inspection. It's often used in formal contexts but can also appear in everyday conversation to indicate approval or acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "pass muster" when you simply mean something is 'good' or 'okay'. The phrase implies a formal assessment or a specific set of requirements that have been successfully met, not just general quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass muster" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something or someone has successfully met the required standards or has been approved after an evaluation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass muster" is a widely used verb phrase that means to meet the necessary standards or requirements. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in written English. While not overly formal, it implies a specific evaluation or assessment has been successfully completed. Related phrases include "meet requirements" and "measure up", offering alternative ways to express a similar idea with varying degrees of formality. When writing, ensure you're referring to a situation where a specific standard is being assessed, rather than simply indicating general quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be acceptable

This alternative is a basic and direct way of expressing that something is satisfactory.

meet requirements

This alternative is more general and focuses on fulfilling specific criteria.

measure up

This alternative suggests that something is good enough, often in comparison to a standard.

make the grade

This alternative implies achieving a passing level, similar to an academic evaluation.

cut the mustard

This alternative is more informal and suggests being adequate or competent.

stand up to scrutiny

This alternative emphasizes the ability to withstand examination or criticism.

tick all the boxes

This alternative suggests that something fulfills all necessary conditions or requirements.

hold water

This alternative suggests logical consistency and coherence under examination.

gain approval

This alternative focuses on obtaining official or formal acceptance.

suffice

This alternative indicates that something is enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

FAQs

What does "pass muster" mean?

The phrase "pass muster" means to meet the necessary standards or requirements; to be approved or accepted after scrutiny or evaluation.

How can I use "pass muster" in a sentence?

You can use "pass muster" in a sentence like: "The proposal had to "meet requirements" before it could "gain approval"."

What are some alternatives to "pass muster"?

Some alternatives to "pass muster" include "measure up", "make the grade", or "be acceptable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "pass muster" formal or informal?

"Pass muster" is generally considered a moderately formal phrase suitable for professional and news contexts, but it can also be used in informal settings when referring to meeting certain standards.