be acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be acceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an idea, thought, suggestion, or plan is acceptable in the eyes of others. For example, "I think this plan should be acceptable to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This cannot be acceptable.

The New York Times

That may be acceptable someday.

The New York Times

That cannot be acceptable.

The Guardian

Might they be acceptable?

The New York Times - Arts

Further tinkering might be acceptable.

The Economist

This should not be acceptable.

The New York Times

"That would not be acceptable.

The New York Times

This can never be acceptable.

The Guardian

Can this possibly be acceptable?

The Guardian - Opinion

Reading seemed to be acceptable there.

The New Yorker

Anything around 14.50m would be acceptable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be acceptable" when you want to indicate that something meets the required standards, is permissible, or is likely to be agreed upon by others.

Common error

While "be acceptable" is versatile, consider using more precise alternatives like "be permissible" or "be satisfactory" in highly formal or technical writing to convey a more specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be acceptable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by describing its state or quality of being satisfactory or permissible. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be acceptable" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates something meets a required standard or is permissible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news, scientific, and formal communications. When using "be acceptable", consider the specific context and whether more precise alternatives like "be permissible" or "be satisfactory" might be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate whether something meets expectations or is likely to be agreed upon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permissible

Emphasizes the allowance or authorization of something.

be satisfactory

Focuses on meeting a certain standard or requirement.

be adequate

Highlights that something is sufficient or enough for a particular purpose.

be suitable

Indicates that something is appropriate or fitting for a specific situation.

be tolerable

Suggests that something is bearable or can be endured, although not necessarily ideal.

be allowable

Similar to permissible, but can also imply adherence to rules or regulations.

be in order

Conveys that something is appropriate or conforms to established procedures.

be conventional

Focuses on something which is established through a common practice.

be passable

Indicates that something is just good enough or meets the minimum requirements.

be standard

Expresses the idea of something being in compliance to generally-accepted rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "be acceptable" to express that something meets a certain standard or is permissible. For example, "The proposed solution should "be acceptable" to all parties involved".

What are some alternatives to "be acceptable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be permissible", "be satisfactory", or "be adequate".

When is it appropriate to use "be acceptable"?

It's appropriate to use "be acceptable" when you want to convey that something is adequate, allowable, or likely to be approved or tolerated.

Is there a difference between "be acceptable" and "be ideal"?

"Be acceptable" means something meets the minimum requirements or is satisfactory, while "be ideal" means it's the best possible option. Something that "be acceptable" might not "be ideal", but it's still good enough.