it was unacceptable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unacceptable for" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used to indicate disapproval or disapproval of a certain action. For example, "It was unacceptable for John to have left without saying goodbye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was unacceptable for them to ship that material overseas," he said later in legal papers.

The New York Times

The foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, said it was "unacceptable" for one ally, the United States, to "humiliate" another, Pakistan.

The New York Times

This makes George Bush's rather slow declaration that it was unacceptable for Russia to invade a sovereign state hypocritical.

The Economist

And there was so much latency — delays in the transmission — that it was unacceptable for some applications, like voice calls.

The New York Times

And she said it was unacceptable for the government not to give parliament more of a say during the process.

The Guardian

The charity Unicef UK said it was unacceptable for demolition to begin while children remained in the camp.

The Guardian

In a video deposition, he said it was unacceptable for a white man to call a black woman a "bitch".

The New York Times

Only 5% said it was unacceptable for men to cry in private while 3% said the same for women.

The Guardian

A Ministry of Defence source said it was unacceptable for a serving officer to make political comments about a potential "future government".

Independent

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, said it was unacceptable for politicians to be "tempted by populist, racist and xenophobic policies".

The New York Times

He said it was unacceptable for some firms to charge people or put barriers in the way to stop them making use of the new freedoms.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unacceptable for", ensure that the reason for its unacceptability is clear to the audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unacceptable for" in casual conversation. Opt for less formal alternatives like "that's not okay" or "that's not cool" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unacceptable for" functions as an evaluative expression, often used to express disapproval, disagreement, or moral judgment regarding an action or situation. The examples, as confirmed by Ludwig, demonstrate consistent usage in contexts where a standard of behavior or expectation has been violated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was unacceptable for" is a common phrase used to express disapproval or disagreement, particularly in News & Media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and effective in conveying a negative assessment of an action or situation. When writing, ensure the reason for unacceptability is clear. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings, opting for casual alternatives. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, solidifying its place in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was not acceptable for

A more formal and direct way of expressing disapproval.

it was inappropriate for

Highlights the lack of suitability for a given context or situation.

it was improper for

Implies a violation of rules, standards, or etiquette.

it wasn't right for

Emphasizes the moral or ethical inappropriateness of something.

it was out of line for

Suggests that someone has crossed a boundary of acceptable behavior.

it was not permissible for

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization for an action.

it was inadmissible for

Indicates that something should not be allowed or considered.

it was forbidden for

Emphasizes a prohibition or ban on something.

it was intolerable for

Highlights the inability to endure or accept something.

it was reprehensible for

Conveys strong disapproval and condemnation of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "it was unacceptable for" in a sentence?

Use "it was unacceptable for" to express disapproval or disagreement with a specific action. For example, "It was unacceptable for the company to release the product without proper testing."

What are some alternatives to "it was unacceptable for"?

You can use alternatives like "it was inappropriate for", "it wasn't right for", or "it was improper for" depending on the context.

Is "it is unacceptable for" more formal than "it was unacceptable for"?

Yes, "it is unacceptable for" is generally more formal than "it was unacceptable for". The use of "is" suggests a current or ongoing state, while "was" refers to a past occurrence.

What is the difference between "unacceptable for" and "unacceptable to"?

"Unacceptable for" refers to the person or entity that is affected by the unacceptable action. "Unacceptable to" refers to the person or entity that finds the action unacceptable. For example, "It was unacceptable for the company to pollute the river" (affecting the river), versus "The pollution was unacceptable to the residents" (residents finding it unacceptable).