acceptable practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable practice" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a standard or behavior that is considered acceptable within a particular context or industry. Example: It is an acceptable practice to arrive 10 minutes early to a job interview. In this sentence, "acceptable practice" is used to describe the standard or expected behavior when attending a job interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is also possible that acceptance of violence between men and women is considered an acceptable practice within the household.

Conflict and Health

And as Wall Street thrived, the bar for what constituted acceptable practice within the industry sagged.

The Economist

"Just because something is legal doesn't mean voters believe it to be an acceptable practice".

The New York Times

This used to be a common and widely acceptable practice in the sport 30 years ago.

The New York Times

I think this is an acceptable practice, as long as you keep your perspective.

The New York Times

In addition, the utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is an acceptable practice in many states.

Construction and Building Materials

"This sends out an entirely wrong message of what the DfE perceives to be acceptable practice," he warned Morgan.

The Guardian

I am sure this sort of thing hadn't been acceptable practice when I went on holiday two weeks ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trading competitive information among one's guanxi network may, in some cases, also be considered an acceptable practice.

The Guardian

·These days it's acceptable practice to franchise a football club, so why not do the same with the fans?

The Guardian - Sport

"Use of the video replay is not an acceptable practice," the league president, Leonard Coleman, said in a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acceptable practice" to refer to a standard or method that is currently considered valid, while acknowledging that practices may evolve over time.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is legal, it is automatically an "acceptable practice". Ethical and social considerations often extend beyond legal boundaries. Just because something is legal does not automatically make it an "acceptable practice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable practice" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "acceptable" modifies the noun "practice". It typically identifies a standard or behavior considered permissible or adequate within a specific context. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acceptable practice" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a standard, behavior, or method that is considered permissible or adequate within a specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and formal business settings.

While grammatically correct, it's essential to distinguish between legality and acceptability, ensuring that ethical and social considerations are also taken into account. Consider using alternative phrasing, such as "permissible procedure" or "standard procedure", to more precisely convey your intended meaning. Remember to carefully define "acceptable practice" in context to avoid confusion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and highlights its frequent occurrence in reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Permissible procedure

Replaces 'practice' with 'procedure', focusing on a specific method or way of doing something.

Allowable conduct

Substitutes 'practice' with 'conduct', shifting the focus to behavior or actions.

Admissible behavior

Uses 'behavior' instead of 'practice', highlighting actions that are considered acceptable within a specific setting or context.

Standard procedure

Replaces 'acceptable' with 'standard', implying that the practice is not just permitted but also widely recognized and followed.

Legitimate action

Emphasizes the lawfulness and validity of the practice or action.

Ethical standard

Focuses on the moral correctness of the practice, highlighting its adherence to ethical principles.

Appropriate behavior

Indicates that the practice is suitable or fitting for a particular situation.

Tolerable action

Suggests that the action is bearable or can be endured, although it might not be ideal.

Approved method

Highlights that the practice or method has been officially sanctioned or endorsed.

Customary practice

Focuses on the conventional and commonly followed nature of the practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "acceptable practice" to describe actions or standards that conform to established rules or norms within a specific context. For example: "Following safety protocols is an "acceptable practice" in the lab."

What's a more formal way to say "acceptable practice"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "standard procedure", "permissible conduct", or "allowable behavior" as alternatives to "acceptable practice".

Is "acceptable practice" the same as "best practice"?

No, "acceptable practice" simply means something is permissible or meets a minimum standard. "Best practice", on the other hand, refers to a technique or methodology that has been proven to reliably lead to a desired result and is considered superior to alternatives.

Which is correct, "acceptable practice" or "accepted practice"?

"Acceptable practice" is generally used to describe a standard that is permissible or adequate. "Accepted practice" implies that a practice is widely recognized and followed. The choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey.