was dependable enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was dependable enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that met a certain level of reliability or trustworthiness in a given context. Example: "Despite the challenges, she was dependable enough to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, the South Platte was dependable.

The New York Times - Magazine

My bathroom scale, however, was dependable.

The New York Times - Tech

He was dependable, and he was the go-to guy.

The New York Times

"Chris was dependable, loyal and hard-working," Lieutenant Petry said.

The New York Times

Steven Whittaker was also dependable enough at right-back, but replacements can bring an added dimension to Scotland's play.

BBC

The hybrid method of DNA barcoding and High Resolution Melting is dependable, fast, and sensitive enough to distinguish between species.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

At this point she's considered dependable enough to handle money, protecting herself while also reassuring the lender.

The New York Times

But if tacky, ancient traditions aren't dependable enough for you?and we don't blame you?2nd Son and a l l i e have a better way to anticipate warmer times.

Vice

But he's dependable".

The New York Times - Sports

Both were dependable veterans.

The New York Times

They're dependable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was dependable enough" when you want to express that something or someone met the minimum required level of reliability for a specific purpose or situation. It implies a threshold was reached, even if it wasn't exceeded.

Common error

Avoid using "was dependable enough" when the subject was exceptionally reliable. This phrase suggests a minimum standard was met, not an outstanding performance. Use stronger language if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was dependable enough" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that it possessed a sufficient level of reliability or trustworthiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was dependable enough" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that met a certain, often minimum, level of reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While synonyms like "was sufficiently reliable" or "was adequately reliable" exist, this phrase finds use across different registers, most commonly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of dependability – not overstating or understating the quality. Its primary function is descriptive, indicating an acceptable threshold was met, aligning with the examples showcased by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was adequately reliable

Rephrases the sentence to use "adequately" as an adverb modifying "reliable".

proved sufficiently reliable

Uses a different adjective and adverb to convey a similar meaning of adequate reliability.

proved to be sufficiently dependable

Similar to 'turned out to be dependable enough', but emphasizing the proof of dependability.

had sufficient dependability

Emphasizes the existence of enough dependability, altering the verb and using a noun.

demonstrated sufficient reliability

Shifts focus to demonstrating the quality of reliability, using a stronger verb.

met the dependability criteria

Replaces the adjective with a noun phrase, emphasizing a specific set of standards.

possessed adequate reliability

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the presence of sufficient reliability.

showed adequate dependability

Similar to 'demonstrated sufficient reliability' but with different wording.

offered adequate reliability

Focuses on the provision of reliability, changing the verb and adjective order.

turned out to be dependable enough

Adds the element of discovery or realization about the dependability.

FAQs

How can I use "was dependable enough" in a sentence?

You can use "was dependable enough" to indicate that something or someone met a minimum standard of reliability. For example, "The old car "was dependable enough" for short trips around town".

What are some alternatives to saying "was dependable enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was sufficiently reliable", "met the dependability criteria", or "was adequately reliable".

Is it better to say "was reliable enough" or "was dependable enough"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Reliable" and "dependable" are synonyms. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "was dependable enough"?

It signifies that something or someone reached a level of reliability that was satisfactory for a particular purpose, even if it wasn't exceptionally high or outstanding. It implies a threshold of dependability was achieved.