passively accept

USAGE SUMMARY

"passively accept" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express an unwillingness to question or challenge a situation. For example : Rather than arguing, Mary passively accepted her punishment for being late to work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Paul did not passively accept his disfavor.

The New York Times - Arts

The one thing you should not do is passively accept this treatment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why did she passively accept her lover's transformation from Socialism to military nationalism?

The New Yorker

Will they passively accept diminished influence or will they lash out against their fellow Republicans?

The New York Times

We will not passively accept a veto over America's drive to open markets.

The Economist

Charlotte Proudman has done a great job of explaining why women should not "passively accept being objectified" in the workplace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Most of them, Seligman observed, passively accepted the shocks.

The New Yorker

To what extent have we passively accepted them?

The New Yorker

Several reporters are finally doing their jobs by not passively accepting the prevarications.

The New York Times

His response is that they are passively accepting an attack on their bodies and their souls.

The New Yorker

Too many of us have passively accepted the situation as being beyond our control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to highlight a lack of agency or resistance, use "passively accept" to emphasize the inaction.

Common error

Be aware that "passively accept" doesn't necessarily mean someone agrees with what they are accepting. It simply indicates a lack of active resistance or opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passively accept" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of receiving or tolerating something without active opposition or resistance. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase highlights a lack of agency or initiative in the face of external circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passively accept" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of receiving something without active resistance. Ludwig AI indicates its presence in numerous reputable sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, which points to its widespread applicability. The phrase functions to highlight a lack of agency or opposition. To enhance your writing, consider semantically related alternatives, such as "acquiesce without resistance" or "tolerate silently", based on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember, while commonly used, passively accepting something doesn't necessarily imply agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiesce without resistance

Emphasizes the lack of opposition in accepting something.

submit unquestioningly

Highlights the lack of questioning or critical thought.

yield without protest

Focuses on giving in without any form of objection.

tolerate silently

Implies enduring something unpleasant without speaking out.

bow to inevitability

Suggests accepting something because it cannot be avoided.

go along with

Indicates agreement or participation without taking initiative.

resign oneself to

Implies acceptance of something undesirable after a period of resistance.

comply without objection

Highlights adherence to a rule or command without voicing concerns.

defer without challenge

Suggests yielding to someone else's authority or decision without questioning.

take lying down

Suggests to accept something negative without fighting back.

FAQs

How can I use "passively accept" in a sentence?

You can use "passively accept" to describe situations where someone doesn't actively resist or challenge something, such as "The community "passively accepted" the new regulations despite their concerns".

What are some alternatives to "passively accept"?

Alternatives include "acquiesce without resistance", "submit unquestioningly", or "tolerate silently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "passively accepting"?

Yes, "passively accepting" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example, "They are "passively accepting" the changes".

What's the difference between "passively accept" and "actively accept"?

"Passively accept" implies a lack of resistance or initiative, while "actively accept" suggests a deliberate and willing embrace. For example, one might "passively accept" a new policy because they don't want to cause trouble, but actively accept it because they genuinely believe in its value.