an acceptable reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an acceptable reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that meets certain standards or criteria for appropriateness or relevance. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe that your comments constitute an acceptable reply to the client's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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Vice

Attitudes definitely need to be changed and entitlement is a bane: from fans thinking "Why are you not coming to my city?" is an acceptable reply to tour dates announcements, to artists having no respect for sound engineers, promoters or host venues.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These are both areas that would force a biased person to exercise cognitive control, in order to give a socially acceptable reply.

The Economist

"I'm grand" is a perfectly acceptable reply to the question "How are you?" and means the person is doing just fine.

WikiHow

Some acceptable replies might be: "That author has a history with that show," or "That author has credentials you don't have," or "That author plays mah-jongg with the host".

Huffington Post

Abramo and his group argue that the DASH requires substantial administrative work to ensure an acceptable frequency of replies [ 26].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Definitely an acceptable substitute.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was an acceptable choice.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was an acceptable type".

The New York Times

This is an acceptable solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is that an acceptable number?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an acceptable reply" when you need to convey that a response meets specific criteria or standards for correctness, appropriateness, or completeness. It is often used in formal or professional contexts where accuracy and suitability are important.

Common error

Avoid using "an acceptable reply" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "okay" or "that works" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an acceptable reply" functions as a noun phrase where "acceptable" is an adjective modifying the noun "reply". It typically refers to a response that meets a required standard or is considered adequate within a given context, as Ludwig indicates with its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an acceptable reply" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a response that meets a certain standard or requirement. Ludwig's analysis confirms this with examples from various sources. While considered neutral to professional in register, it's best used in formal contexts. Alternatives include "a satisfactory answer" or "a suitable response". Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings. While Ludwig AI considers this phrase usable in written English, context is always key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory answer

Focuses on the adequacy of the answer in meeting requirements.

a suitable response

Highlights the appropriateness of the response in a given situation.

an adequate answer

Emphasizes that the answer is sufficient or meets the minimum requirements.

an appropriate response

Focuses on the relevance and suitability of the response.

a reasonable answer

Implies the answer is logical and justified.

a valid response

Highlights the correctness and justification of the response.

a passable reply

Indicates the reply is just good enough to be accepted.

a tolerable answer

Suggests the answer is barely acceptable but not ideal.

a standard response

Highlights a pre-approved answer that can be applied in multiple situations.

a conventional reply

Focuses on the answer that has been pre-established and is usually applicable.

FAQs

What does "an acceptable reply" mean?

The phrase "an acceptable reply" refers to a response that meets a certain standard or requirement. It implies that the answer is satisfactory and appropriate for the context in which it is given.

How can I use "an acceptable reply" in a sentence?

You can use "an acceptable reply" when you want to indicate that a response is adequate or meets the necessary criteria. For example, "After reviewing the feedback, I believe that your comments constitute "an acceptable reply" to the client's concerns."

What are some alternatives to "an acceptable reply"?

Some alternatives to "an acceptable reply" include phrases like "a satisfactory answer", "a suitable response", or "an adequate answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an acceptable reply" formal or informal?

"An acceptable reply" is generally considered to be a formal phrase. In more casual settings, it might be better to use simpler terms like "okay" or "that's fine."