satisfactory to

USAGE SUMMARY

"satisfactory to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that meets an expected or desired standard. For example, "His performance on the exam was satisfactory to his teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Life was just not satisfactory to her".

The New York Times

And the schedule was satisfactory to the independent counsel.

The New York Times

But the partnership was seldom satisfactory to either side.

The New York Times

"That's probably not satisfactory to many of you.

The New York Times

Most of the ones I sampled were in the satisfactory to ordinary category.

The New York Times

The team said it had reached a compromise it knew would not be satisfactory to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

But the photo was not satisfactory to Braha, so she didn't post hers.

The New Yorker

Instead the test is: Is this fictitious representation satisfactory to the artificial conditions of the theater?

The New Yorker

The five wounded officers were were hospitalized in satisfactory to good condition.

The New York Times

Now let me say it was Joe Slovo, but that was not satisfactory to us.

The Guardian

"Nothing is going to be satisfactory to parents unless they get their kids back," Monaco says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "satisfactory to" with specific criteria or standards to provide a clearer understanding of what constitutes satisfaction. For example, "The outcome was satisfactory to the client because it met all the key performance indicators."

Common error

While "satisfactory to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good enough for" or "okay with" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory to" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something meets the expectations or requirements of a specified entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satisfactory to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates something meets the expectations or needs of someone or something. Ludwig AI validates its usage, showing it's common in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the context, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. The key is to ensure clarity regarding who or what is being satisfied when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable to

Indicates agreement or willingness to receive something, focusing on permissibility.

agreeable to

Stresses the aspect of consent or willingness, often in a negotiation or compromise.

adequate for

Emphasizes sufficiency for a specific purpose or requirement, highlighting functionality.

sufficient for

Similar to 'adequate for', but can also imply just meeting the minimum requirement.

fulfilling the expectations of

Highlights the act of meeting pre-defined standards or hopes.

suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness of something for a particular situation or person.

meeting the needs of

Focuses on satisfying specific requirements or desires.

good enough for

Implies a lower standard of acceptance, suggesting something meets a basic requirement.

in compliance with

Emphasizes adherence to rules, standards, or regulations.

up to par for

Conveys that something reaches an expected level of quality or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "satisfactory to" in a sentence?

Use "satisfactory to" to indicate that something meets the requirements, needs, or expectations of someone or something. For example, "The agreement was "acceptable to" all parties involved".

What are some alternatives to "satisfactory to"?

Alternatives include "acceptable to", "adequate for", "sufficient for", or "agreeable to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "satisfactory for" or "satisfactory to"?

"Satisfactory to" is used when indicating who or what is being satisfied. "Satisfactory for" is used when indicating what purpose something is satisfactory for. For example, "The result was satisfactory to the client" versus "The tool was "adequate for" the task".

Is "satisfactory to all parties" redundant?

While "satisfactory to all parties" isn't technically redundant, it can often be simplified. "Satisfactory to all" or simply "satisfactory" might suffice if the context makes it clear that all relevant parties are included. Saying something is "agreeable to" everyone expresses the same idea concisely.