they are satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something meets the required standards or expectations. Example: "After reviewing the reports, I can confirm that they are satisfactory for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Their appearance and weathering properties are inferior to those of fired masonry, but they are satisfactory for foundation walls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, equilibrium values are found from the breakthrough curves and they are satisfactory fitted to the Freundlich isotherm.

Carbon

But they are satisfactory enough for a newspaper intended for people who want to give their minds seriously, though with a sense of tolerance and humour, to the day's affairs".

The Guardian - Opinion

But they are satisfactory enough in a newspaper intended for people who want to give their minds seriously, though with a sense of tolerance and humour, to the day's affairs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The results were compared with those obtained from previously published methods and they were satisfactory.

Chemistry Central Journal

The model goodness-of-fit was assessed using Hosmer Lemeshow test and the results showed that they were satisfactory (p = 0.1936 for model1 and p = 0.4711 for model 2) [ 43].

BMC Health Services Research

The plastic key coverings now used are satisfactory, but they are experimenting with coverings of Plexiglas, Vinylite, and Implex.

The New Yorker

These results are satisfactory since they ensure human and plant safety after dilution into the ambient air of the greenhouse.

Biomass and Bioenergy

"If their answers are satisfactory we will go by what they submit, but if they are not satisfactory we will adjust their tax liability upwards to the figure the ZRA has asked them to pay.

The Guardian - Business

They might be amenable to such a move if the elements of the luxury tax are satisfactory to them, not that the tax itself will be satisfactory because they really do not want a tax at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Psychometric qualities are satisfactory.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are satisfactory", ensure the context clearly defines what standards or expectations are being met. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are satisfactory" without specifying the criteria for satisfaction. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretation. Instead, clarify what makes them satisfactory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are satisfactory" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that certain items or conditions meet a specified standard or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are satisfactory" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that something meets the required standards or expectations. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that while not extremely common, the phrase appears across various reputable sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Encyclopedia Britannica. Its usage is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a range of contexts from news and media to scientific and professional communications. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the criteria for satisfaction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they are adequate" or "they are acceptable" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are acceptable

Replaces "satisfactory" with "acceptable", indicating a basic level of approval.

they are adequate

Substitutes "satisfactory" with "adequate", suggesting they meet the minimum requirements.

they are sufficient

Replaces "satisfactory" with "sufficient", meaning they are enough for a particular purpose.

they are good enough

Uses a more informal tone to convey that they meet the required standard.

they are up to par

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate they meet expectations.

they measure up

Indicates they meet a certain standard or requirement.

they pass muster

Uses an idiomatic expression meaning they have been approved after scrutiny.

they fulfill the requirements

More formally states that they meet the necessary conditions.

they meet the criteria

Indicates they satisfy established benchmarks.

they are in compliance

Implies they meet specific rules or regulations.

FAQs

What does "they are satisfactory" mean?

The phrase "they are satisfactory" means that something meets the required standards or expectations. It implies a level of acceptance or approval.

How can I use "they are satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "they are satisfactory" to express that something fulfills a specific need or requirement. For example, "The test results "they are satisfactory" for our research purposes."

What can I say instead of "they are satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "they are adequate", "they are acceptable", or "they are sufficient" depending on the context.

Is "they are satisfactory" formal or informal?

"They are satisfactory" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for both professional and general communication.