acceptable for now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable for now" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is satisfactory or sufficient at the present moment, but may not be ideal in the long term. Example: "The solution we have implemented is acceptable for now, but we will need to revisit it in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Perhaps that is acceptable for now, but it could become morally questionable (and more difficult to enforce) as machines become smarter and possibly more self-aware.

The New Yorker

That a lot of the aid goes to authorities who routinely renege on commitments is acceptable for now, in the view of the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, Brian Atwood.

The New York Times

Errors will result but they are acceptable for now.

WikiHow

They will show errors but that is acceptable for now.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Acceptable, perhaps, for now - but without the dubious support of sensational 1m-plus rating episodes that either make or examine mistakes made by the show itself.

The Guardian

Some couples reach a compromise so that the less-aroused partner helps or holds the other while he/she reaches orgasm – possibly an acceptable, shared erotic experience for now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's now acceptable for middle-aged accountants to dress up as Stormtroopers every once in a while.

The Guardian - Film

It's now acceptable for the privatised space of a shopping centre to be patrolled by private security.

The Guardian

I'm concerned that it's now acceptable for people to say things they know aren't true, and no one challenges them".

The Guardian

Is it now acceptable for minorities to kill European-Americans for calling them names?" The man at the center of the case, Mr. Hong, 26, lives in Seattle and has no criminal record.

The New York Times

His irrational campaign defies the rational standards being applied to Clinton and lowers the bar on what is now acceptable for a candidate seeking to be the leader of the free world.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acceptable for now" to indicate a pragmatic compromise or interim solution, acknowledging that improvements or changes may be needed later. For example, in project management, you might say, "This software is acceptable for now, but we'll need to upgrade it next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "acceptable for now" as a way to perpetually postpone necessary changes. Always pair it with a concrete plan or timeline for addressing the underlying issues to prevent long-term problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable for now" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a temporary level of satisfaction or agreement with a current state or situation. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acceptable for now" serves as a qualifier, suggesting a temporary agreement or satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, emphasizing that while something might not be ideal, it meets current needs until future improvements are implemented. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources and reminds the user to plan for the future when using the phrase. The phrase itself is correct and can be used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfactory for the moment

Replaces "acceptable" with a synonym, focusing on the present time frame.

sufficient for the time being

Emphasizes adequacy for the present, with an implied future change.

good enough for now

Uses more informal language to express current adequacy.

adequate at present

Formally indicates something meets the current requirements.

serviceable for the interim

Highlights temporary usability before a more permanent solution.

passable for the short term

Implies that something meets a minimum standard for a limited duration.

a temporary solution

Focuses on the impermanent nature of the acceptance.

acceptable in the short run

Highlights the limited timeframe of acceptability.

workable for the present

Indicates that something is currently functional, with a potential future need for refinement.

tolerable at this juncture

Suggests something is endurable given the current circumstances, but not ideal.

FAQs

What does "acceptable for now" imply about future changes?

The phrase "acceptable for now" suggests that the current situation or solution is adequate for the time being, but it is likely to require further adjustments or improvements in the future. It implies a temporary state rather than a permanent resolution.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "acceptable for now"?

It's appropriate to use "acceptable for now" when you acknowledge that a current solution is not ideal or complete, but it serves its purpose temporarily. This could be due to resource constraints, time limitations, or the need for further information before a more permanent solution can be implemented.

What are some alternatives to saying "acceptable for now"?

You can use alternatives like "satisfactory for the moment", "sufficient for the time being", or "good enough for now" depending on the context and level of formality.

How does "acceptable for now" differ from "ideal"?

"Acceptable for now" indicates a pragmatic or temporary solution, while "ideal" represents the best possible outcome or situation. If something is only "acceptable for now", it means it meets the minimum requirements but doesn't necessarily achieve the optimal result. It also suggests that, at some point, changes are required.