works satisfactorily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works satisfactorily" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is meeting expectations, or functioning properly. For example, "The car after its repair works satisfactorily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Only the last of these encounters works satisfactorily.

The Guardian - Books

The proposed method works satisfactorily in the same circumstances.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The proposed method works satisfactorily and suppresses the vibration successfully.

Control Engineering Practice

Although our proposed simple web application works satisfactorily well, we identified several weaknesses.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The 2D VWMA/WMA technique works satisfactorily on the outer ring of Type 1.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

These show that the proposed system works satisfactorily under different environmental conditions.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

On the whole they worked satisfactorily.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New Yorker

Attempts to tackle the high numbers of women abandoning the law were "not working satisfactorily", said Alistair MacDonald QC.

The Guardian

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is simply no basis from the Maria Miller case to consider whether or not the committee is working satisfactorily".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the outcome of a test or experiment, use "works satisfactorily" to indicate that the results met the minimum requirements, even if they weren't exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "works satisfactorily" when the subject performs exceptionally well. Opt for stronger terms like "excels", "thrives", or "outperforms" if the subject exceeds expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works satisfactorily" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing that something functions acceptably or meets the required standards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

84%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "works satisfactorily" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where something functions acceptably or meets the minimum required standards. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for formal contexts, particularly in scientific and technical writing. While not indicating exceptional performance, it clearly communicates that basic requirements are fulfilled. Alternative phrases include "functions adequately" and "performs acceptably". Remember to avoid using it when the subject performs exceptionally well; stronger terms would be more appropriate in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions adequately

Emphasizes the acceptable, but perhaps not exceptional, level of functioning.

performs acceptably

Focuses on the level of performance being within acceptable limits.

operates effectively

Highlights the efficiency of the operation.

suffices

Suggests that the outcome or result is 'enough' to fulfill the need.

is adequate

Indicates a basic level of suitability or acceptability.

does the job

An informal way of saying something fulfills its purpose.

gets the job done

Similar to "does the job", but with a stronger emphasis on completion.

is up to par

Implies that something meets the required standard.

holds up

Suggests that something is sustainable over time or under pressure.

measures up

Emphasizes that something is in line with standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "works satisfactorily" to indicate that something functions well enough for its intended purpose. For example, "The new software "works satisfactorily" after the latest update".

What are some alternatives to "works satisfactorily"?

Alternatives include "functions adequately", "performs acceptably", or "operates effectively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Works well" is a more general statement of effectiveness. "Works satisfactorily" implies that it meets a specific set of requirements or expectations. Use "works satisfactorily" when you want to emphasize that those requirements have been met.

Can "works satisfactorily" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "works satisfactorily" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. It provides a clear and objective assessment of performance.