became acceptable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became acceptable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a change in perception or status regarding something that is now considered acceptable by a particular group or society. Example: "Over the years, the idea of remote work became acceptable to many companies, leading to a shift in workplace culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The use of compulsory insurance as a mechanism to provide medical benefits and cash benefits in the case of sickness, disability, widowhood, and old age became acceptable to legislative bodies fearful of accepting extended state intervention that would require higher taxes to finance pensions or other benefits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She worked on a painting until it became "acceptable" to her mind.

Independent

Once it became acceptable to write about someone's marital troubles, why not marijuana use or the suggestion of unorthodox sex?

The New York Times - Magazine

That combined with the reality TV phenomenon in which it became acceptable to have something that wasn't really true.

The Guardian

Because it became possible to learn how the brain was affected when people engaged in certain activities, it became acceptable to study things previously considered fringy.

The New York Times - Science

That might be, but for all the beer in "Cheers," it wasn't until "Cybill" that the notion of finding humor in hard liquor became acceptable to network censors.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It becomes easier to be only after it becomes acceptable to say.

The Guardian - Opinion

A moment after which it finally becomes acceptable to give up FGM/C.

The Guardian

How has it become acceptable to openly express such sentiments in a European country?

The Guardian - Opinion

Since when did it become acceptable to pay £500 for a handbag?

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's become acceptable to say that, and people weren't being challenged.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became acceptable to", ensure the context clearly defines who is doing the accepting. This adds clarity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "became acceptable to" without specifying the group or entity that now finds it acceptable. Vague usage can weaken the statement and leave the reader questioning who or what changed their perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became acceptable to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in status or perception. It describes a process where something transitioned from being unacceptable to being considered allowable or approved by a particular group or society, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became acceptable to" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a shift in perception or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various reliable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and academic texts. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify who is doing the accepting to maintain clarity. While alternatives like "gained acceptance by" or "was deemed permissible by" exist, "became acceptable to" provides a clear and effective way to communicate a change in attitudes or norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gained acceptance by

Focuses on the action of gaining acceptance, emphasizing the active process of achieving approval.

was deemed permissible by

Emphasizes the act of being officially allowed or permitted by an authority.

found favor with

Indicates that something became liked or approved of by a particular group.

met with approval from

Highlights the positive reception and endorsement received from a specific entity.

became tolerated by

Suggests a shift from disapproval to mere tolerance, rather than genuine acceptance.

passed into common usage among

Focuses specifically on the adoption and widespread use of something within a community.

entered the mainstream with

Highlights the movement of something from a niche area into widespread popularity and acceptance.

gained traction among

Focuses on how quickly and steadily acceptance is growing, showing how much momentum it can create when effectively delivered.

was embraced by

Emphasizes that the group is actively accepting and showing support.

was adopted by

Similar to "was embraced by", emphasizes the action of adopting something with an active acceptance.

FAQs

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

Use "became acceptable to" to indicate a change in attitude or societal norms. For example: "Over time, tattoos "became acceptable to" a wider range of people".

What are some alternatives to "became acceptable to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gained acceptance by", "was deemed permissible by", or "found favor with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "became acceptable to" or "became accepted by"?

Both phrases are grammatically sound, but "became acceptable to" often implies a shift in societal or group attitudes, while "became accepted by" focuses more on the act of being embraced by a specific entity. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "became acceptable to" and "was acceptable to"?

"Became acceptable to" indicates a change over time, implying something wasn't previously acceptable. "Was acceptable to" simply states that something is or was acceptable to a particular group without implying a prior state of non-acceptance.