though substandard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though substandard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge that something is below an expected level of quality while still being relevant or acceptable in some context. Example: "The product was delivered late, though substandard, it still met the basic requirements for functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even though rates of substandard housing for the general U.S. population are relatively low, percentages for subpopulations such as immigrants are disproportionately high.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The film has circulated since largely in substandard prints, though MGM/UA issued an upgraded edition on DVD in 2007.

The New York Times

So it was a culturally enriched environment, even though it was substandard from a facilities perspective, and there was a lot of crime.

Forbes

The trainee is struggling with whether to give the sick child the only antibiotic on hand, even though it represents substandard treatment.

Globalization and Health

There are concerns that a high proportion of ACAs are falsified or substandard, though estimates are rarely based on representative data.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Over time, their monthly benefits improved -- from about $25 a month in 1996 to about $115 today, for example -- though they still complain about substandard housing and medical benefits.

The New York Times

It is assumed that predators mainly prey on substandard individuals, but even though some studies partially support this idea, evidence with large sample sizes, exhaustive analysis of prey and robust analysis is lacking.

Plosone

The answer is less obvious than Ms. Falco and Mr. Donovan's substandard performances, though rather less compelling than the sight of Nina ironing her cheerleader's uniform in her underwear.

The New York Times

Further, when excessive demand, rising prices and limited availability surround key ingredients or materials of sudden interest, then substandard quality though accident or intentionality become more common and harder to detect.

European Journal of Nutrition

Cortney Stone of RPGamer found fault with the voice acting recording, describing it as "substandard" and said that "it sounds as though a few of the actors were too close to the microphones or the equipment was faulty", though she called "the voice acting itself quite good, with characters of different nations having distinctive accents".

Wikipedia

Their designed top speed was 21 kn, though this was frequently unattainable in their later careers owing to substandard maintenance and neglect.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though substandard" to introduce a contrast, acknowledging a deficiency while also indicating a remaining positive aspect or functionality. This provides a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "though substandard" if there is no contrasting positive aspect. Ensure there's a reason why the subject, despite being substandard, is still relevant or acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though substandard" functions as an adverbial conjunction, connecting two contrasting ideas. It introduces a clause that acknowledges a deficiency while simultaneously allowing for the relevance or acceptance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though substandard" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrasting element, recognizing a deficiency while still accepting some functionality or relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct expression. While applicable in various contexts, it's essential to ensure a genuine contrast exists to avoid misapplication. Alternatives like "albeit imperfect" or "even if deficient" can offer similar nuances. Its register remains relatively neutral, aiming for objective acknowledgment. Understanding its nuanced function allows for effective communication in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though imperfect

A slightly more concise version, keeping the same meaning and impact.

although deficient

Synonymous with "even if deficient", placing emphasis on deficiency.

even if deficient

Emphasizes the deficiency more directly, while still acknowledging a degree of acceptance or functionality.

albeit imperfect

Highlights the imperfection but suggests it doesn't invalidate the whole.

notwithstanding its defects

Formally acknowledges the defects but implies they are not a barrier.

despite its flaws

Directly acknowledges the existence of flaws, maintaining a similar level of formality.

even with its limitations

Focuses on the constraints or restrictions but implies a practical approach.

while imperfect

Similar to "albeit imperfect", but uses 'while' to introduce the contrast.

even if low quality

Explicitly mentions quality concerns but suggests the item is still usable.

yet inadequate

Emphasizes the inadequacy but allows for acceptance in specific circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "though substandard" in a sentence?

Use "though substandard" to acknowledge a deficiency while still highlighting some functionality or acceptance. For example, "The product was delivered late, "though substandard", it still met the basic requirements for functionality".

What's a good alternative to "though substandard"?

Alternatives include "albeit imperfect", "even if deficient", or "despite its flaws". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "though substandard"?

While acknowledging a deficiency, "though substandard" can also imply acceptance or functionality despite the issue. The context dictates whether it's primarily negative or a balanced assessment.

How does "though substandard" differ from "but substandard"?

"Though substandard" suggests a more nuanced contrast, implying that despite the substandard quality, something positive remains. "But substandard" is a more direct contradiction, emphasizing the poor quality.