very serviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very serviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is useful, functional, or satisfactory for a particular purpose. Example: "The old laptop may not be the latest model, but it is still very serviceable for basic tasks like browsing the internet and word processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Phillips termed Guthrie a very serviceable left-handed reliever.

The New York Times - Sports

"Berio wrote a very serviceable bel canto libretto".

The New York Times - Arts

When healthy, Satele was a very serviceable run-blocker in Oakland last season.

The New York Times

Upon recovery, he added rather callously, she was "very serviceable in carrying necessarys".

The New York Times - Arts

As for the director, this smart little picture is a very serviceable launch pad.

The Guardian - Film

"I like playing short or second or center because I like control," the Venezuelan player said in very serviceable English.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

However, iFixit did find something somewhat shocking: The latest PlayStation is very user serviceable.

TechCrunch

Throughout the night, we also experienced the weirdness of Justin Timberlake's apotheosis: this serviceable, very likeable pop star being treated like a messiah.

The Guardian - Music

A mainstay at Boca Raton's Blackzilians camp, Abel Trujillo is the very type of serviceable wrestle-boxer that can hang on the UFC's lower rung, but has never been quite able to step up against higher-ranked opposition.

Huffington Post

Serviceable service.

The New York Times

Failure as a learning tool ("instructive and authoritative"), as a womb for success, at the very least as a serviceable excuse to smoke a Montecristo cigar – these things people will discuss with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very serviceable" to describe something that is functional and adequate for its intended purpose, but perhaps lacks outstanding qualities or features. It's ideal when acknowledging utility without overstating excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "very serviceable" when describing items or services that are truly exceptional or cutting-edge. It's more appropriate for describing reliable, functional, but not necessarily outstanding items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very serviceable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of something being functional and adequate for a particular purpose, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Arts

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very serviceable" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something functional and adequate for its purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in news, arts, and science contexts. While not implying excellence, it conveys reliability and usability. Related phrases like "highly functional" or "extremely adequate" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphases. Use "very serviceable" when you want to acknowledge utility without overstating quality, but avoid it when describing something exceptional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly functional

Emphasizes the operational aspect and efficiency of something.

extremely adequate

Highlights that something meets the required standards sufficiently.

remarkably useful

Stresses the utility and helpfulness of something.

exceptionally practical

Focuses on the real-world applicability and effectiveness.

particularly effective

Highlights the success and impact of something.

notably efficient

Focuses on the efficiency and resourcefulness of an item or process.

thoroughly dependable

Emphasizes the reliability and trustworthiness of something.

considerably valuable

Highlights the worth and importance of something.

quite suitable

Implies something is well-matched or appropriate for a particular purpose.

very helpful

Emphasizes the supportive nature of an item or service.

FAQs

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

You can use "very serviceable" to describe something that is functional and adequate. For example: "The old car is still "very serviceable" for commuting."

What are some alternatives to "very serviceable"?

Alternatives include "highly functional", "extremely adequate", or "remarkably useful" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "serviceable" or "very serviceable"?

The choice depends on the degree of functionality you want to emphasize. "Serviceable" indicates adequacy, while "very serviceable" suggests a higher level of functionality or usefulness.

What's the difference between "very serviceable" and "highly efficient"?

"Very serviceable" implies adequate functionality for a task, while "highly efficient" emphasizes the resourcefulness and speed with which something operates. They aren't always interchangeable.