acceptable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something meets the standards or approval of a person or group. Example: "The proposal was deemed acceptable to the committee after several revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was acceptable to me".

The New York Times - Arts

Acceptable to like unironically.

The Guardian

Not acceptable to whom?

The Guardian

Are all of those acceptable to everybody?

The New York Times

That is not acceptable to us".

The New York Times

When is it acceptable to avoid taxes?

The New York Times

Neither proposal was acceptable to the protesters.

The New York Times

This is not acceptable to the president.

The Economist

He is acceptable to most Shias.

The Economist

If so, it's acceptable to stand.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not acceptable to me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acceptable to", ensure the context clearly identifies who finds something acceptable. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "acceptable to" without clearly specifying the subject who deems it acceptable. This can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "The solution is acceptable", specify "The solution is acceptable to the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something meets the standards or approval of a specific person or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acceptable to" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something meets the standards or approval of a particular entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify who finds something acceptable. Common errors include vague references, which can be avoided by clearly stating the subject of approval. Alternatives include "agreeable to" and "satisfactory to". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "acceptable to" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreeable to

Indicates a mutual consent or willingness, similar to "acceptable to" but emphasizes agreement.

satisfactory to

Implies that something meets a certain standard or requirement, making it suitable.

suitable for

Focuses on the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular purpose or situation.

eligible for

Highlights the qualification or entitlement to something, shifting the focus to meeting specific criteria.

permissible for

Indicates that something is allowed or authorized, emphasizing the absence of prohibition.

allowable for

Similar to permissible, but can also imply a tolerance or allowance within certain limits.

admissible for

Often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something can be considered or accepted as evidence.

tolerable for

Suggests that something is endurable or bearable, implying a less enthusiastic acceptance.

palatable to

Indicates that something is pleasing or agreeable to one's taste or sensibilities.

reasonable for

Implies that something is fair, logical, or justifiable in a particular situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "acceptable to" is used to indicate that something meets the standards or approval of a person or group. For instance, "The terms of the contract were "acceptable to" both parties".

What are some alternatives to using "acceptable to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "agreeable to", "satisfactory to", or "suitable for" instead of "acceptable to".

Which is correct: "acceptable to" or "acceptable for"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Acceptable to" indicates approval by someone, while "acceptable for" suggests suitability for a specific purpose or situation.

What's the difference between "acceptable to" and "agreeable to"?

"Acceptable to" implies that something meets the minimum requirements or standards of someone, while "agreeable to" suggests a more enthusiastic consent or willingness. Both imply approval, but differ in the degree of enthusiasm.