totally serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is fully functional or adequate for a particular purpose, even if it may not be perfect or ideal. Example: "The old laptop may not be the latest model, but it's totally serviceable for basic tasks like browsing the internet and word processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

BOTTOM LINE The à la carte nature of the Tune might seem off-putting, but in practice the hotel is a totally serviceable budget option for a brief stay, with quick, convenient connections to central London.

The New York Times - Travel

For totally serviceable needles, go to one of those electronics stores on Canal Street and get the cheapest set possible.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(text {TSI}) Total serviceable inventory.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

In the end AJAM looked altogether serviceable enough.

Huffington Post

Serviceable service.

The New York Times

It was all very serviceable.

Vice

Service was serviceable, if inconsistent.

Huffington Post

This week people were similarly worried about her panel performance and she did a serviceable (if not totally outstanding) job.

Vice

Serviceable, perhaps.

The New York Times

He called it serviceable.

The New York Times - Arts

Short, serviceable wine list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "totally serviceable", consider whether a more descriptive adjective would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying 'the old car is totally serviceable', specify which aspects of the car are still functioning well (e.g., 'the engine is reliable', 'the brakes are responsive').

Common error

While "totally serviceable" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or lacking in detail. In formal reports or academic papers, opt for more precise language. For example, instead of stating 'the equipment is totally serviceable', specify 'the equipment meets the minimum performance requirements'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally serviceable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its condition or usability. It indicates that something is fully functional and adequate for its intended purpose. Ludwig examples show it describing hotels and equipment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally serviceable" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that is fully functional and adequate for its intended purpose. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in diverse sources, including News & Media and Science. While it may not be suitable for highly formal contexts, it effectively conveys that something is in working order and meets basic requirements. Consider alternatives such as "totally useful" or "perfectly functional" for variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally useful

Replaces "serviceable" with "useful", focusing on the utility of something.

totally adequate

Substitutes "serviceable" with "adequate", emphasizing that something meets the minimum requirements.

perfectly functional

Replaces "totally serviceable" with a focus on complete functionality.

completely adequate

Replaces "totally" with "completely", for more formal emphasis on adequateness.

entirely functional

Uses "entirely" instead of "totally" to express complete functionality.

fully operational

Focuses on the operational aspect of something being serviceable.

in perfect working order

Indicates that something is not just serviceable, but also in good condition.

completely usable

Highlights the usability aspect, implying it can be used without issues.

entirely suitable

Shifts the focus to suitability for a particular purpose.

sufficiently functional

Emphasizes that something is functional to a sufficient degree.

FAQs

How can I use "totally serviceable" in a sentence?

You can use "totally serviceable" to describe something that is completely functional or adequate for its purpose. For example, "The old laptop may not be the latest model, but it's "totally serviceable" for basic tasks".

What are some alternatives to "totally serviceable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "totally useful", "perfectly functional", or "completely adequate".

Is "totally serviceable" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "totally serviceable" might sound informal in some contexts. Consider using a more precise or sophisticated phrase like "fully operational" or "sufficiently functional" for formal writing.

What does "totally serviceable" imply about the quality of something?

It implies that something is functional and meets the minimum requirements, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's excellent or top-of-the-line. It suggests adequacy rather than superiority.