quite serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is satisfactory or adequate for a particular purpose, even if it may not be exceptional. Example: "The old laptop may not be the latest model, but it is quite serviceable for basic tasks like browsing the internet and word processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Thurston Clarke, the author of two previous and quite serviceable books on the Kennedys, also dwells on fanciful "what might have beens" in "JFK's Last Hundred Days," suggesting that the death of the presidential couple's last child, Patrick, brought the grieving parents closer together and may have signaled the end of Kennedy's compulsive womanizing.

The New York Times - Books

Interestingly, the Court found the rule of presumed validity quite serviceable for appraising state legislation affecting neither liberty nor property, but for legislation constituting governmental interference in the field of economic relations, especially labor-management relations, the Court found the principle of judicial notice more advantageous.

Cornell University

Still, my aging buddy remains quite serviceable and is far superior to anything available to Bill Gates when I first ran into him a dozen-odd years ago.

Forbes

However, log(wages) and wages are strictly monotone increasing functions of each other, so that a linear approximation of one by the other in a restricted interval is probably quite serviceable.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The gothic dynamics match the naked feelings behind such selections as the muscular "Rexall" and the stark "Mourning Son". But although Navarro's vocals are quite serviceable, his clunky lyrics undermine the intricate sonic drama, reminding listeners why his success has come in supporting, rather than starring, roles.

Los Angeles Times

Paper towels, newspapers, coffee filters, and a whole host of other things that you spend money on right now have quite serviceable replacements; you'll come to see that many are superior.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"How do you structure things again?" she said yesterday in English that is already quite subtle and serviceable.

The New York Times - Sports

Serviceable service.

The New York Times

To say that this classic Rodgers & Hammerstein score "remains serviceable" is quite simply absurd.

Los Angeles Times

Service was serviceable, if inconsistent.

Huffington Post

One claw wouldn't quite fit, but otherwise it was a serviceable crypt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite serviceable" to describe items or systems that perform their intended function adequately, without necessarily being exceptional or cutting-edge. It's ideal when acknowledging limitations while still affirming usability.

Common error

Avoid using "quite serviceable" when something is truly outstanding or exceptional. This phrase is best reserved for situations where performance is satisfactory but not remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite serviceable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent to which something is useful or adequate. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite serviceable" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes something that is adequately functional or useful, without necessarily being exceptional. While its frequency is relatively rare, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for professional and formal settings. For alternative expressions, consider "fairly adequate" or "reasonably functional".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly adequate

Replaces "quite serviceable" with a focus on adequacy, implying a satisfactory but not exceptional level of functionality.

reasonably functional

Similar to "quite serviceable", but emphasizes the functionality aspect, suggesting that something works well enough for its purpose.

sufficiently useful

Highlights the utility of something, indicating that it meets the necessary requirements.

perfectly adequate

Suggests that something meets the minimum requirements or needs, implying suitability without extravagance.

adequately maintained

Focuses on the upkeep of something, indicating it is kept in a condition that is good enough.

acceptably proficient

Emphasizes a level of skill or competence that is deemed satisfactory.

passably effective

Suggests that something is effective to a degree that is acceptable, though perhaps not outstanding.

suitably equipped

Focuses on the preparedness of something for a specific task or purpose.

decently operational

Indicates that something is in working order to a reasonable degree.

serviceable enough

This is a more colloquial expression, adding an emphasis that it barely meets the minimum requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "quite serviceable" in a sentence?

You can use "quite serviceable" to describe something that is adequate or functional for a particular purpose. For instance, "The old car is "quite serviceable" for short trips around town".

What are some alternatives to "quite serviceable"?

Alternatives to "quite serviceable" include "fairly adequate", "reasonably functional", or "sufficiently useful" depending on the specific context.

Is "quite serviceable" formal or informal?

"Quite serviceable" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is appropriate for both professional and casual contexts where you want to convey that something is adequately functional.

What's the difference between "quite serviceable" and "perfectly serviceable"?

"Quite serviceable" implies that something is adequately functional, whereas "perfectly serviceable" suggests that it is entirely suitable and effective for its intended purpose without any significant shortcomings.