worked satisfactorily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked satisfactorily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has functioned or performed in an acceptable or adequate manner. Example: "The new software update worked satisfactorily, resolving most of the issues we encountered previously."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

On the whole they worked satisfactorily.

The New York Times - Arts

The device worked satisfactorily for many years and was even commercialized until the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Safety Relief Valve Handbook Design and Use of Process Safety Valves to ASME and International Codes and Standards

The minimum operating condition requires only about 1.7 milliamperes, so that the relay can be worked satisfactorily at lower voltage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, provincial leaders viewed inefficiency and corruption as "London" problems and believed that the constabulary system worked satisfactorily in their areas.

Britannica

Interestingly, only one out of the best four miRNAs activating Foxg1 in proliferating neocortical precursors worked satisfactorily in their postmitotic derivatives (Fig. 1A,E,F).

Nature

The seeder worked satisfactorily at suction pressures of 4.91 and 3.92 kPa and nozzle diameters of 0.46 and 0.49 mm to achieve more than 90% single seed sowing in the case of capsicum and tomato, respectively.

Biosystems Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

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

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

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the performance of a system or process, use "worked satisfactorily" to convey that it met expectations without necessarily exceeding them. This is particularly useful in technical and scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid using "worked satisfactorily" when you want to express exceptional or outstanding performance. This phrase implies adequacy, not superiority. Use stronger terms like "excelled" or "outperformed" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked satisfactorily" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates how something worked, specifying that the performance was adequate or acceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worked satisfactorily" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase indicating that something functioned adequately or met the required expectations. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English. Appearing frequently in science, news, and academic contexts, it is characterized by a neutral to formal register. When aiming for more expressive descriptions of success, consider using "functioned adequately" or "performed adequately". Be mindful of overstating success and ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the intended level of performance. For example, ensure "worked satisfactorily" should not be used where "excelled" is more appropriate. In summary, it's a practical phrase to describe something that meets, but doesn't necessarily exceed, minimum requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioned adequately

This alternative focuses on the functionality aspect, emphasizing that something operated well enough for the purpose.

performed adequately

This alternative shifts the focus to the execution or performance aspect, indicating an acceptable level of execution.

operated successfully

This phrase highlights the successful operation of something, suggesting that it achieved its intended outcome without issues.

functioned properly

Focuses on the correct and intended functionality of a system or device.

performed well enough

Emphasizes that the performance, while not exceptional, was sufficient to meet the requirements.

achieved the required outcome

Highlights that the expected or necessary result was attained.

yielded satisfactory results

This alternative emphasizes the outcome and its acceptable quality.

proved sufficient

Indicates that something was enough or adequate for a specific purpose or need.

sufficed for the purpose

This phrase emphasizes that something was adequate to meet the requirements for a specific goal.

met the necessary standards

Highlights compliance with required criteria or benchmarks.

FAQs

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

You can use "worked satisfactorily" to describe something that functioned adequately or met the minimum requirements. For example, "The new software update "worked satisfactorily", resolving most of the critical issues."

What are some alternatives to "worked satisfactorily"?

Alternatives include "functioned adequately", "performed adequately", or "operated successfully". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "worked satisfactory" instead of "worked satisfactorily"?

No, "worked satisfactory" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "satisfactorily" is required to modify the verb "worked". Using the adjective "satisfactory" is incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "worked satisfactorily" and "worked well"?

"Worked satisfactorily" implies that something met a minimum standard or expectation, while "worked well" suggests a higher degree of effectiveness or efficiency. The former is more about adequacy, and the latter is about quality.