are not acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'are not acceptable' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval of a certain set of behaviors, or to indicate that a certain set of criteria have not been met. For example: "These grades are not acceptable - you will need to do extra work to raise them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Litmus tests are not acceptable.

The Washington Post

But they are not acceptable.

The Washington Post

Those at-bats are not acceptable".

The New York Times - Sports

These double standards are not acceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

We believe they are not acceptable".

The Guardian

Non-Cornell supervisors are not acceptable.

Cornell University

Overweight and obese persons are not acceptable.

Yale University

Higher acetonitrile contents are not acceptable.

Journal of Chromatography A

Both individuals have acknowledged that such terms are not acceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

The performances of the referees are not acceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

"Such security lapses are not acceptable," Mr. Gilman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not acceptable", ensure you clearly state what is not acceptable and, if possible, explain why. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "are not acceptable" without explaining the reason. Always provide context to ensure the statement is meaningful and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not acceptable" functions as a judgmental expression, used to reject or disapprove of something that does not meet certain standards or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically sound and readily usable. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not acceptable" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey disapproval or indicate that certain standards have not been met. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is readily usable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, its register is generally neutral. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify what exactly "are not acceptable" and provide context. Related phrases include "are not allowable" and "are unacceptable", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "are not acceptable" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unacceptable

Shortened form omitting "not", directly stating something does not meet requirements.

are unacceptable to

Adds "to", specifying the recipient or entity for whom something is not acceptable.

are not to be accepted

Adds emphasis with the phrase "to be accepted", reinforcing the refusal of something.

are not allowable

Replaces "acceptable" with "allowable", focusing on permissibility rather than general approval.

are not permissible

Substitutes "acceptable" with "permissible", indicating something is not allowed or authorized.

are not satisfactory

Replaces "acceptable" with "satisfactory", focusing on a failure to meet requirements or expectations.

are not tolerable

Replaces "acceptable" with "tolerable", highlighting the inability to endure or put up with something.

are not admissible

Substitutes "acceptable" with "admissible", often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate something cannot be considered or allowed.

are not palatable

Substitutes "acceptable" with "palatable", suggesting something is unpleasant or difficult to tolerate.

are not agreeable

Replaces "acceptable" with "agreeable", emphasizing a lack of consensus or harmony.

FAQs

What does "are not acceptable" mean?

The phrase "are not acceptable" signifies that something doesn't meet required standards, isn't permissible, or is considered inappropriate in a particular context. It expresses disapproval or rejection.

How can I use "are not acceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "are not acceptable" to express that certain behaviors, conditions, or results don't meet expectations. For example, "These terms "are not acceptable to you", negotiate right away" or "Such security lapses "are not acceptable"".

What can I say instead of "are not acceptable"?

You can use alternatives like "are not allowable", "are not satisfactory", or "are unacceptable" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not acceptable" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "are not acceptable" in situations where you need to clearly communicate that something fails to meet the required standards or is considered inappropriate. Use it in formal communication, feedback, or policy documents.