acceptable answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable answer" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an answer that is considered suitable or satisfactory in a given situation. Example: "The teacher provided a list of acceptable answers for the exam, but the students were still expected to justify their reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a perfectly acceptable answer.

The New Yorker

("Both" may be the only acceptable answer).

The New York Times - Magazine

Education is the only acceptable answer.

The New York Times

To me, that's not an acceptable answer.

The New Yorker

The acceptable answer is that there's no reason they shouldn't.

The New Yorker

He expects them to have an acceptable answer.

The New York Times - Sports

7 Other acceptable answer: They Live, starring "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

The Guardian

It's a more acceptable answer than "She died of you".

The Guardian - Books

"Because I always order the cheeseburger" is an acceptable answer.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gordon said that was not an acceptable answer.

The New York Times - Science

Somehow I sense that my first thought, "The Empire Strikes Back," is not an acceptable answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acceptable answer" when you want to convey that a response meets the minimum requirements or expectations in a particular situation.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "acceptable answer". Opt for more precise terms like "valid response", "substantiated claim", or "well-supported argument" to showcase higher-level thinking and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "acceptable" modifies the noun "answer". It serves to describe the quality or status of an answer, indicating that it meets a certain set of criteria or standards. This is consistent with Ludwig's AI analysis, which deems it a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acceptable answer" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe a response that meets the necessary requirements or expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in contexts such as news, science, and formal communications. While widely applicable, it's important to consider more precise alternatives like "valid response" or "satisfactory reply" in formal settings. When aiming for clear and effective communication, consider both the context and the desired level of formality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Valid response

Focuses on the logical correctness or soundness of the answer.

Satisfactory reply

Emphasizes that the answer meets the required expectations.

Suitable response

Highlights the appropriateness of the answer in a given context.

Permissible solution

Suggests that the solution is allowed or authorized.

Tolerable explanation

Indicates that the explanation is bearable or passable, even if not ideal.

Admissible account

Focuses on whether the account can be accepted or considered.

Legitimate justification

Highlights the lawfulness and validity of the justification.

Plausible alibi

Refers to an excuse or explanation that seems believable.

Credible statement

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the statement.

Reasonable explanation

Focuses on the logical and rational quality of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "acceptable answer" in a sentence?

You can use "acceptable answer" to describe a response that meets the requirements or expectations, as in "The teacher said that 'I don't know' would have been an "acceptable answer" if the student was unsure."

What is a more formal alternative to "acceptable answer"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "valid response", "satisfactory reply", or "suitable response" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is "adequate answer" the same as "acceptable answer"?

While both terms suggest a degree of sufficiency, "acceptable answer" implies meeting a certain standard or expectation, whereas "adequate answer" suggests just enough to meet the need or requirement. They are similar, but not always interchangeable.

What are some common situations where I might need an "acceptable answer"?

Situations requiring an "acceptable answer" range from answering questions in an exam to providing justifications for decisions. In any scenario, an "acceptable answer" meets the necessary criteria for a given context.