work satisfactorily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work satisfactorily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the performance or functioning of something in a way that meets expectations or requirements. Example: "The new software should work satisfactorily to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But to work satisfactorily, there can't be gaps where water can pool underneath the tiles.

The Washington Post

So not all reducing agents would work satisfactorily for any given reaction.

Yale University

This can work satisfactorily only as long as demands for the resources are quite limited.

Stanford University

Moreover, an adequate form of cross-validation is developed and shown to work satisfactorily.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

The traditional kanban system with fixed number of cards does not work satisfactorily in unstable environment.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

They often work satisfactorily if they satisfy some general assumptions – not overly restrictive – regarding the stochasticity of the input.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

On the whole they worked satisfactorily.

The New York Times - Arts

Only the last of these encounters works satisfactorily.

The Guardian - Books

Simulation results suggest that proposed scheme is working satisfactorily.

Chaos, Solitons & Fractals

The proposed method works satisfactorily and suppresses the vibration successfully.

Control Engineering Practice

But where was the study of the mind when it was working satisfactorily?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, use "work satisfactorily" to indicate that it meets the necessary requirements and functions as expected. For instance: 'The new software should "work satisfactorily" to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently.'

Common error

Avoid using "work satisfactorily" when describing situations that require outstanding performance. It's best suited for scenarios where meeting the basic requirements is sufficient, not exceeding them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work satisfactorily" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something operates or functions in a way that meets the required standards or expectations. Ludwig AI affirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

17%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work satisfactorily" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something functions adequately and meets expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and academia. The phrase's prevalence and versatile usage across different domains, as well as its neutral to formal register, underscore its importance in professional communication. Alternatives like "function adequately" or "perform effectively" may be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances, depending on the specific context. When using "work satisfactorily", ensure that it accurately represents the level of performance required, avoiding overstatements when outstanding results are necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform effectively

Highlights the efficiency and impact of the work being done.

function adequately

Focuses on the basic level of functioning required; implies meeting a minimum standard.

operate properly

Emphasizes correct and intended operation without necessarily implying excellence.

run smoothly

Suggests a lack of problems or interruptions during operation.

be up to scratch

Conveys meeting a particular standard of quality or performance.

deliver results

Focuses on the outcomes and achievements of the work.

hold up well

Indicates resilience and sustained performance over time.

measure up

Implies meeting a specific standard or expectation.

pass muster

Suggests meeting a requirement after scrutiny or examination.

suffice

Emphasizes meeting a basic need or requirement without exceeding expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "work satisfactorily" in a sentence?

You can use "work satisfactorily" to describe something that functions adequately or meets expectations. For instance, 'The updated system needs to "work satisfactorily" to handle the increased workload.'

What are some alternatives to "work satisfactorily"?

Alternatives include "function adequately", "perform effectively", or "operate properly" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "work satisfactorily" or "work well"?

"Work well" is more general and implies a higher degree of effectiveness than "work satisfactorily". "Work satisfactorily" suggests that something meets the minimum requirements, while "work well" implies exceeding those requirements.

What does it mean when something "doesn't work satisfactorily"?

If something "doesn't work satisfactorily", it means that it's not functioning as expected or failing to meet the required standards. This could indicate a need for adjustments or improvements.