it was acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was acceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something met a certain standard or was deemed satisfactory in a particular context. Example: "The proposal was reviewed by the committee, and they concluded that it was acceptable for submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Repeating your lost mantra, "it was acceptable in the 80s".

Vice

It was acceptable to me".

The New York Times - Arts

It was acceptable to be clumsy.

The New York Times - Arts

Guess it was acceptable in the 80s.

The Guardian

Some hoteliers thought it was acceptable – we absolutely disagree".

The Guardian - Business

But they were different times, it was acceptable then.

The Guardian

He thought it was acceptable - and it was back then.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was acceptable somehow in black and white.

The New York Times - Arts

It was acceptable patriotism and I'm glad England fans showed that as well.

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe I faltered and started thinking it was acceptable to do a postcard-pretty picture".

The New Yorker

Why did the Israelis think it was acceptable to attack an aid convoy in international waters?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was acceptable" to imply a degree of tolerance or compromise, rather than outright approval. This can add nuance when describing a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was acceptable" without providing sufficient context. Clearly explain why something was considered acceptable in a specific situation to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was acceptable" functions as a statement of past permissibility or tolerance. It indicates that a certain behavior, practice, or condition met the standards or expectations of a particular time or context. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating this usage across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was acceptable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes past permissibility or tolerance. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as seen across diverse sources like news articles, scientific papers, and general content. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to clarify what made something "acceptable" in that situation. Consider related phrases like ""it was permissible"" or ""it was tolerable"" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was permissible

Focuses more directly on the concept of being allowed or officially sanctioned.

it was tolerable

Emphasizes the idea that something was endured, though perhaps not ideal.

it was allowable

Similar to permissible, but can also imply that something was within given limits.

it was considered acceptable

Emphasizes that the acceptability was a result of deliberation or judgment.

it was deemed acceptable

Highlights that the acceptability was a formal or official decision.

it was satisfactory

Indicates that something met the required standard or expectation.

it was admissible

Suggests that something was allowed to be considered or presented, often in a legal context.

it was agreeable

Highlights that something was pleasing or in accordance with one's preferences.

it was suitable

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

it was palatable

Indicates that something was acceptable to one's taste or sensibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "it was acceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was acceptable" to describe past behaviors or standards, as in, "In the 1980s, "it was acceptable" to wear bright neon colors."

What can I say instead of "it was acceptable"?

Alternatives include "it was permissible", "it was tolerable", or "it was satisfactory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was acceptable" formal or informal?

"It was acceptable" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The tone depends more on the surrounding text than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "it was acceptable" and "it is acceptable"?

"It was acceptable" refers to a past situation or standard, while "it is acceptable" indicates a present one. For example, "In the past, "it was acceptable" to smoke indoors, but now it is acceptable only in designated areas."