serviceable quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serviceable quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is functional and meets basic standards, though it may not be of the highest quality. Example: "The furniture we purchased is of serviceable quality, suitable for our needs without being overly expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At last I had found my digital doppelganger: a laser printer that was also a serviceable high-quality copier.

The New York Times

As an MP3 player the YP-700 is serviceable: the sound quality is good, although some users complain that the amplifier isn't loud enough to overcome city noise.

MIT Technology Review

Serviceable service.

The New York Times

Buyers are willing to settle for laminated quality and serviceable design.

Bplans

Service was serviceable, if inconsistent.

Huffington Post

9. Randy McMichael (SD, 33) Has proved to be a serviceable fill-in starter and quality No. 2 blocker off the bench.

The New York Times

The results illustrate that extended land consumption accounts for 1.78% of the whole city area and 29.18% of occupied land, and could be reduced by 80% by improving construction quality for longer serviceable building life and adopting prefabricated construction for greater recycling ratios of scrap building materials.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

This quality also made denim serviceable for leisure wear in the late 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At a minimum, they should be serviceable, pleasurable and, if possible, not too far in quality from their superior siblings.

The New York Times

They have fashioned a team with no apparent star quality but bolstered by time-served and serviceable journeymen such as Barry Nicholson and Scott Severin.

The Guardian - Sport

The difference is that where we might go to the pub round the corner or the serviceable local Italian, Clerkenwell Boy's haunts are "The Quality Chop House, Morito, St John Bread and Wine".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serviceable quality", consider the context. It's suitable when you want to convey that something is adequate for its purpose without being exceptional. For instance, "The budget-friendly hotel offered rooms of serviceable quality, clean and comfortable enough for a short stay".

Common error

Avoid using "serviceable quality" when you want to emphasize high-end or premium quality. The phrase implies adequacy rather than excellence. Instead, use terms like "excellent quality" or "superior quality" to denote high standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serviceable quality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the level or standard of the noun it qualifies, indicating that it is adequate or functional but not necessarily exceptional. This aligns with Ludwig's observation about its use in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serviceable quality" is a phrase used to describe something that is adequate or functional for its purpose, without being exceptional or high-end. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct phrase, though relatively rare in usage. While the phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, its neutral tone makes it versatile for various contexts. If you're aiming to express that something merely meets minimum requirements, "serviceable quality" is a fitting choice. However, if you're aiming for more vivid language, consider alternatives like "adequate quality" or "acceptable quality".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Adequate quality

Emphasizes sufficiency for a specific purpose without implying high standards.

Acceptable quality

Suggests the quality meets a basic threshold of acceptability.

Sufficient quality

Highlights that the quality is enough to meet the requirements.

Passable quality

Indicates that the quality is just good enough to be considered acceptable.

Tolerable quality

Implies the quality is not ideal but can be tolerated.

Standard quality

Refers to the quality that is commonly expected or typical.

Workmanlike quality

Suggests a competent but not exceptional quality.

Functional quality

Focuses on the ability to perform its function adequately.

Decent quality

Implies a moderate but satisfactory level of quality.

Usable quality

Suggests the quality is sufficient for practical use.

FAQs

How can I describe something that is of "serviceable quality"?

You can use phrases such as "adequate quality", "acceptable quality", or "sufficient quality" to indicate something that meets a basic standard without being exceptional.

Is "serviceable quality" a positive or negative description?

"Serviceable quality" is generally neutral. It suggests that something is functional and adequate for its intended purpose, but not necessarily outstanding or luxurious.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "serviceable quality"?

The phrase "serviceable quality" is appropriate in contexts where functionality and basic standards are more important than luxury or high-end features. This could include budget-friendly options, temporary solutions, or situations where cost-effectiveness is a priority.

What's the difference between "serviceable quality" and "high quality"?

"Serviceable quality" implies that something meets a basic standard or level of acceptability. "High quality", on the other hand, suggests superior craftsmanship, materials, and performance.