serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is functional or adequate for a particular purpose, though it may not be of the highest quality. Example: "The old car is still serviceable, even if it doesn't look great."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The more complex Aditya Birla group, to the extent one can tell from the outside, is more indebted and scores less well on its return on equity, but is in serviceable condition.

The Economist

The 600-year-old Dragon Bridge, which was built during the Ming dynasty and spans the Li about 20km downriver from Yangshuo, is being carefully rebuilt with new stone, while existing blocks that appear perfectly serviceable are discarded.In the shadow of the bridge, locals sit around playing cards, dozing or chatting.

The Economist

According to Ministry of Defence (MOD) figures given to a member of Parliament, only 53 out of the RAF's 186 Tornado GR1/4 bombers are ready to fly, only 34 out of 90 Harriers are fully serviceable and 28 out of 76 Jaguars.

The Economist

It has a serviceable set of prejudices, for sound money, national sovereignty, self-reliance and so on.

The Economist

The Indonesian authorities have hardly any serviceable ships and planes with which to patrol the seas between Papua and China.

The Economist

He was a serviceable guitarist, but not much more than that.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk.Johnny Cash was a serviceable guitarist with a limited vocal range.

The Economist

But it raises the question of what happens to the shunned phones of yesteryear, many of which are still perfectly serviceable and most of which contain goodies that could be recycled if a way of harvesting them efficiently were found.And that is what ecoATM, a firm based in San Diego, thinks it has created.

The Economist

Three centuries later, Rome's masters found that Paul's answer to his own dilemmas corresponded precisely to the empire's ideological needs.Her argument rises to a crescendo in a final chapter about how "Paul created Christ"; or how the apostle devised a serviceable form of world-religion based on his mystical intimations of a divine figure whom he had "met" only in visions.

The Economist

Occasionally, savings can be made by reusing serviceable components while upgrading an existing machine.

The Economist

When they are no longer serviceable they are replaced with a fuel cell in a cabinet the size of a fridge which needs far less attention and can also be watched from afar.The company leaves most of the production to someone else, instead relying on designing and engineering fuel cells and licensing the intellectual property.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing equipment or systems, use "serviceable" to indicate they are functional and ready for use, which is particularly relevant in technical or logistical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "serviceable" in casual conversation; it's more appropriate for formal or technical writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "usable" or "functional" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "serviceable" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this with many examples where "serviceable" is used to characterize items like equipment, vehicles, and systems, indicating their usability or fitness for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serviceable" is an adjective that denotes something being in a usable or adequate condition. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various formal and technical contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it might not be suitable for informal conversations, its precise meaning makes it ideal for describing equipment, systems, or infrastructure that are functional, even if they are not in perfect condition. Alternatives like "functional" or ""usable"" can be considered depending on the specific context and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional

Focuses on the ability to perform a function, even if not perfectly or optimally. It is a more direct synonym, implying the item serves its intended use.

usable

Stresses the basic ability to be used, perhaps without being in perfect condition. It simply means capable of being used for some purpose.

fit for purpose

Highlights suitability for a specific task or goal. It emphasizes that the item or system meets the requirements needed for a particular application.

in working order

Focuses on the functional aspect, indicating something is currently operational. It stresses the present condition of being able to perform its intended function.

operational

Emphasizes the active state of being able to function. It is more technical and often used for machinery or systems.

in running condition

Specifically refers to machinery or vehicles that are operating correctly. It emphasizes the active state of being able to run or operate.

in good condition

Describes the overall state of something, suggesting it is well-maintained and functional. It may also imply a level of care and upkeep.

repairable

Highlights the possibility of restoring something to a working condition. It shifts the focus to the potential for fixing rather than current state.

maintainable

Indicates the ease with which something can be kept in good working order. It emphasizes the ongoing upkeep and serviceability.

service friendly

Highlights the ease of servicing or maintaining something, typically for technical equipment. This term is less common but directly related.

FAQs

How to use "serviceable" in a sentence?

Use "serviceable" to describe something that is in working condition or suitable for its purpose. For example, "The equipment is still "usable", even though it's old" or "The bridge is "fit for purpose" after the repairs."

What can I say instead of "serviceable"?

You can use alternatives like "functional", ""usable"", "in working order", or ""fit for purpose"" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "serviceable condition" or "serviceable state"?

"Serviceable condition" is more commonly used and idiomatic than "serviceable state", especially when describing the status of equipment or infrastructure. Both are understandable, but "condition" is preferred.

What's the difference between "serviceable" and "functional"?

While both terms describe something that works, "serviceable" often implies that the item is adequate but not necessarily in perfect condition. "Functional" simply means that it performs its intended function, without implying anything about its condition.