perfectly tolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfectly tolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is acceptable or bearable, often in a context where one might expect it to be less so. Example: "The food at the new restaurant was not exceptional, but it was perfectly tolerable for a casual dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A teary, perfectly tolerable collection of interlocking stories featuring lots of recognizable actors and two particularly well-etched segments.

The New York Times - Arts

The slight hint of carbon was a perfectly tolerable accident, even if scorched beans never turn out to be the next microwave oven.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a runner, I've spent most of my adult life training aerobically, meaning I run for extended periods of time – 30 to 60 minutes – at a pace I find challenging but perfectly tolerable.

The New York Times

In an adult human such behaviour would be intolerable but in two rather pampered middle-aged dogs it is not only perfectly tolerable but an integral part of their appeal.

The Guardian

But my preference is for a change in Britain's relationship," said Gove. "My ideal is exactly what the majority of the population think, which is that the present situation is no good, to say that life outside would be perfectly tolerable.

The Guardian

Mr. Levesque — a professional wrestler whose ring name is Triple H — is a perfectly tolerable actor, as he shows in "The Chaperone," a lightweight comedy aimed, presumably, at tweeners and fans of World Wrestling Entertainment, whose film division generated this project.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A tolerable tomato soup and tuna that was perfectly recognizable.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this frame of mind, it's perfectly logical to redefine what was once seen as tolerable, but albeit bitterly contested, dissent – the reports and critiques of Israel's human rights organisations – as a form of intolerable and existentially threatening delegitimisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

We say that a rate of link-prediction error is tolerable if (V') remains competitive with seeding based on perfectly accurate link information, and most realizations of (G') yield a (V') with performance that exceeds random seeding.

Computational Social Networks

NOISE LEVEL -- Tolerable.

The New York Times

Legoland had been tolerable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "Perfectly tolerable" is often used when there's an expectation that something might be less acceptable, so ensure the situation aligns with this nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly tolerable" in highly formal or professional writing where a more positive or enthusiastic tone is preferred. Opt for phrases like "entirely acceptable" or "completely satisfactory" instead, as they convey a stronger sense of approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly tolerable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its level of acceptability. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, aligning with its common usage in describing conditions, situations, or objects that are acceptable but not necessarily ideal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfectly tolerable" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that denotes a moderate level of acceptance or bearability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct expression suitable for describing situations or objects that meet a minimum standard without necessarily excelling. While most commonly found in news and media contexts, its usage extends to science and formal business settings, albeit less frequently. When writing, avoid overusing it in formal scenarios where more positive language is required. Consider more enthusiastic alternatives like "entirely acceptable" or "completely satisfactory" to make a more assertive or confident statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely acceptable

Emphasizes complete acceptance, removing any negative connotation that 'tolerable' might suggest.

completely bearable

Focuses on the ability to endure or withstand something, highlighting the endurance aspect.

reasonably acceptable

Introduces a sense of moderation in acceptability, suggesting it meets a certain threshold but isn't exceptional.

quite satisfactory

Indicates that something meets expectations adequately, without necessarily exceeding them.

easily endurable

Highlights the lack of difficulty in enduring a situation, suggesting it's not overly challenging.

genuinely passable

Implies something barely meets the required standard, focusing on its capacity to 'pass'.

decent enough

Expresses that something is acceptable at a basic level; not outstanding, but not bad either.

moderately adequate

Implies that something is acceptable but only to a certain extent and not of high quality.

somewhat agreeable

Suggests a level of acceptance that is hesitant or conditional, rather than absolute.

marginally acceptable

Indicates the lowest level of acceptance; something that is barely good enough.

FAQs

How can I use "perfectly tolerable" in a sentence?

Use "perfectly tolerable" to describe something that is acceptable or bearable, even if it's not ideal. For example, "The hotel wasn't luxurious, but it was perfectly tolerable for a short stay."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly tolerable"?

You can use alternatives like "entirely acceptable", "completely bearable", or "reasonably acceptable" depending on the context.

Is "perfectly tolerable" a positive or negative description?

"Perfectly tolerable" is generally neutral to slightly positive. It indicates that something meets a minimum standard of acceptance, even if it's not outstanding.

What's the difference between "perfectly tolerable" and "perfectly acceptable"?

"Perfectly tolerable" suggests something is bearable or endurable, even with some drawbacks, whereas "perfectly acceptable" implies that something meets the required standards without any significant issues.