acceptable option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or alternatives that meet certain criteria or standards. Example: "After reviewing all the proposals, we concluded that the revised plan was the most acceptable option for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Winning is the only acceptable option.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, that's a much less acceptable option.

The New York Times

Abortion is legal -- it's just not supposed to be mentioned or acknowledged as an acceptable option.

The New York Times

"The lie," he writes, "is thinking that submission is an acceptable option.

The New York Times - Books

These voters were telling pollsters all along that Mr. Romney was an acceptable option.

The New York Times

"That was not an acceptable option, to throw up our hands and to quit," he said.

The New York Times

The state party made it clear to local Republican operatives that supporting Mr. Bush was the only acceptable option.

The New York Times

And more bluntly, it said, "Failure to reach an agreement on health reform this year is not an acceptable option".

The New York Times

Put differently, paying for a return to the terms of 1994 Agreed Framework is not an acceptable option.

The New York Times

Black men with highly textured hair have long had a convenient, socially acceptable option: a close trim.

The New York Times

"The only other option is to stay home," she said, and that is not an acceptable option for many Americans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acceptable option" when you want to convey that a choice meets the necessary standards or requirements in a given situation. Consider stronger alternatives like "ideal solution" or "best course of action" if the situation requires a more decisive tone.

Common error

While "acceptable option" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or critical contexts where stronger, more definitive language might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "This is an acceptable option for resolving the crisis", consider "This is the most effective solution for resolving the crisis" to convey a stronger sense of resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable option" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'acceptable' modifies the noun 'option'. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It indicates a choice or possibility that meets a certain standard or requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acceptable option" is a versatile phrase used to describe a choice that meets certain standards or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business, it's essential to consider stronger alternatives in highly formal or critical situations. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its widespread acceptance and usage. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey that a choice meets the necessary standards or requirements in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permissible option

This alternative emphasizes that the option is allowed or not forbidden.

satisfactory option

This suggests that the option meets a minimum level of requirement or expectation.

suitable option

Highlights that the option is appropriate or well-suited for a particular purpose or situation.

reasonable option

Indicates that the option is logical and sensible.

agreeable option

Suggests that the option is pleasing and likely to be approved by involved parties.

viable option

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the option.

palatable option

This alternative indicates that the option is tolerable and not offensive.

workable option

Emphasizes that the option is capable of producing the desired result.

tolerable option

Highlights the option is endurable, even if not ideal.

admissible option

This suggests that the option is allowed to be considered or presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "acceptable option" to describe a choice that meets certain criteria or standards. For example, "After reviewing all proposals, we determined that the revised plan was the most "acceptable option" for our project".

What are some alternatives to "acceptable option"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "suitable choice", "reasonable alternative", or "permissible solution".

Is "acceptable option" formal or informal?

"Acceptable option" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, a more precise term might be preferred.

When should I avoid using "acceptable option"?

While generally appropriate, avoid using "acceptable option" when a stronger, more definitive solution or choice is needed. In these cases, consider using terms like "optimal solution" or "best alternative".