serviceable despite flaws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serviceable despite flaws" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is functional or useful even though it has imperfections or shortcomings. Example: "The old car is serviceable despite flaws, allowing me to commute to work without any major issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite flaws and industry bleating, sound new measures are taking shape.

The New York Times

Scorpia was also positive, stating that despite flaws "Ultima Underworld is an impressive first product.

Wikipedia

Lewis's next film, A Lady Without Passport (1950), was only serviceable, despite the presence of Hedy Lamarr as a shady woman trying to get out of Havana.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite these flaws, however, the completeness of the treatise, its serviceable if not scientific order, and its powerful and lucid exposition demand recognition.

Britannica

Despite minor flaws, better connect.

The New York Times

So is "Lost Boy," despite its flaws.

The New York Times

Despite the flaws, it always is.

The Guardian - Sport

But despite these flaws, Hearthstone still appeals.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite his flaws, he is still revered.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite its flaws, it belongs there.

The New York Times - Arts

Serviceable service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serviceable despite flaws", ensure the context clearly identifies both the functionality and the specific imperfections. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your description.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the level of functionality when using "serviceable despite flaws". Ensure that the item or system genuinely meets the basic requirements, even with its imperfections, to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serviceable despite flaws" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is functional or useful even though it has imperfections or shortcomings. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples, though limited due to low frequency, confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serviceable despite flaws" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something functional despite imperfections. As Ludwig indicates, examples are rare, suggesting infrequent usage. The phrase has a neutral register and aims to provide a balanced assessment. While grammatically sound, its rare occurrence impacts its expert rating, emphasizing the importance of considering more common alternatives for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional despite shortcomings

Replaces "serviceable" with "functional" and "flaws" with "shortcomings", focusing on the working condition despite limitations.

usable with imperfections

Emphasizes the usability while acknowledging the presence of imperfections.

adequate even with defects

Highlights the adequacy of the subject, even though there are defects.

acceptable notwithstanding its faults

Uses more formal language, substituting "serviceable" with "acceptable" and "flaws" with "faults".

passable despite its blemishes

Replaces "flaws" with "blemishes", suggesting cosmetic rather than functional issues.

workable despite its limitations

Focuses on the practical aspect of being "workable" even with "limitations".

sufficient although imperfect

Indicates the item is just sufficient for the required task, even in an imperfect condition.

still useful despite its problems

Highlights the continued usefulness despite existing issues.

remains valuable even with its imperfections

Stresses the retained value despite existing imperfections.

good enough considering its weaknesses

Expresses acceptance of the subject's condition as "good enough", taking its "weaknesses" into account.

FAQs

How can I use "serviceable despite flaws" in a sentence?

You can use "serviceable despite flaws" to describe something that is functional or useful even though it has imperfections or shortcomings. For example: "The old car is serviceable despite flaws, allowing me to commute to work without any major issues."

What are some alternatives to "serviceable despite flaws"?

You can use alternatives like "functional despite shortcomings", "usable with imperfections", or "adequate even with defects" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "serviceable despite flaws" or "serviceable because of flaws"?

"Serviceable despite flaws" is correct. It implies that something is still functional even though it has imperfections. "Serviceable because of flaws" doesn't make logical sense.

What does "serviceable despite flaws" imply about the quality?

It implies that the quality is not perfect but still acceptable for the intended use. It acknowledges the existence of imperfections while emphasizing the functionality.