satisfactory grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "satisfactory grade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a grade that meets the minimum requirements or expectations in an academic context. Example: "To pass the course, students must achieve at least a satisfactory grade on their final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A grade of B- will not be accepted as a satisfactory grade.

Stanford University

Yes, passing courses required for the Ph.D. program with a satisfactory grade meets the requirements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A grade of C- or less will not be accepted as a satisfactory grade.

Stanford University

In the same way, each test may be taken several times until a satisfactory grade is achieved.

Cornell University

To obtain a satisfactory grade in AEM 7030, students must have at least 70% attendance in the Dyson/AEP seminars.

Cornell University

For each of these course, participants who receive a cumulative outstanding or satisfactory grade Cornell University will award 3 Continuing Education Units and a certificate.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Surely no one in this room would want us to return to the satisfactory grading.

The Guardian

But two of the seven with less than satisfactory grades are actually city offices that operate residences in three boroughs.

The New York Times

The only subjects in which he received satisfactory grades were art and gym, his high school reported years later.

The New York Times - Sports

He must maintain satisfactory grades to keep the position, as a gallery assistant and teacher's aide.

The New York Times

Bottom line: Once you declare, you must complete your prerequisites as scheduled, or you will be dropped from the major, and barred from declared status for TeleBears registration until you have satisfactory grades posted in all of your prerequisites.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing academic requirements or policies, use "satisfactory grade" to clearly communicate the minimum acceptable level of performance required to meet a specific standard.

Common error

Avoid using "satisfactory grade" when you actually mean an excellent or high-achieving grade. "Satisfactory" indicates meeting the basic requirements, not exceeding them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory grade" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "satisfactory" modifies the noun "grade". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satisfactory grade" is a common phrase used to denote a level of academic achievement that meets the minimum requirements for passing a course or fulfilling a specific standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in academia, news media, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "passing grade" or "acceptable mark" exist, "satisfactory grade" clearly communicates that a standard has been met, but not necessarily exceeded. Remember to reserve the phrase for situations where you want to describe a performance that meets basic requirements, rather than one that is exceptional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing grade

Indicates the minimum acceptable level of achievement, directly substitutable in many contexts.

acceptable mark

Focuses on the acceptance of the score; slightly less formal than "satisfactory grade".

sufficient grade

Emphasizes the adequacy of the grade, implying it meets a requirement.

adequate grade

Similar to 'sufficient grade', but might imply a lower level of acceptance.

decent grade

More informal, suggesting a grade that is reasonably good but not exceptional.

reasonable grade

Indicates the grade is fair or justifiable, rather than excellent.

creditable grade

Suggests the grade is worthy of acknowledgment or respect.

competent grade

Highlights the demonstration of required skills to a certain level.

tolerable grade

Implies the grade is barely acceptable, perhaps with reservations.

average grade

Indicates a grade that's neither exceptionally good nor bad, simply typical.

FAQs

What does "satisfactory grade" mean in an academic context?

In an academic context, a "satisfactory grade" generally refers to a grade that meets the minimum requirements to pass a course or fulfill a specific requirement. This might be a C or a Pass, depending on the institution's grading system.

What can I say instead of "satisfactory grade"?

You can use alternatives like "passing grade", "acceptable mark", or "sufficient grade" depending on the specific context.

Is a "satisfactory grade" always a good thing?

While a "satisfactory grade" means you've met the minimum requirements, it may not be ideal if you're aiming for high academic achievement or competitive programs. It indicates competence but not necessarily excellence.

How does a "satisfactory grade" compare to an 'A' or 'B'?

A "satisfactory grade" is generally lower than an 'A' or 'B'. An 'A' or 'B' indicates above-average to excellent performance, while a "satisfactory grade" typically represents the minimum acceptable performance level.