socially acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

"socially acceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to behaviour that is deemed suitable or appropriate according to the standards of a society or culture. For example: "It is socially acceptable for men to hold doors open for women in most cultures".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's quite socially acceptable.

The Guardian

Academic inequality is socially acceptable.

The New York Times

It's no longer socially acceptable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can you be socially acceptable?

The Guardian - Sport

"It will be socially acceptable".

The New York Times

Ancestor inequality is not socially acceptable.

The New York Times

"The CHOICE program is not socially acceptable.

The New Yorker

"They're more socially acceptable than cigarettes".

Independent

"It's not financially acceptable, nor socially acceptable.

The New York Times

Why is this behaviour socially acceptable?

The New York Times

"But they've become more socially acceptable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolving social norms, use "socially acceptable" to highlight changes in societal attitudes over time. For example, "Tattoos have become more socially acceptable in professional settings over the past decade".

Common error

Avoid assuming that what is "socially acceptable" is always ethically or morally correct. Social norms can sometimes conflict with ethical principles, so it's important to distinguish between the two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "socially acceptable" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating whether something aligns with the prevailing norms and values of a society. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to describe behaviors, practices, or items that are deemed appropriate by a particular social group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "socially acceptable" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe behaviors, practices, or concepts that align with societal norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status. It frequently appears in news and media, highlighting its relevance in discussing current events and evolving social standards. While "socially acceptable" is generally neutral in register, it is essential to differentiate it from what is morally or ethically right. Understanding its usage helps writers and speakers accurately convey whether something meets the approval of a particular society or culture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

socially reasonable

Focuses more on the logic and rationality of societal acceptance.

socially permissible

Highlights that something is allowed by social norms, emphasizing permission.

socially tolerable

Emphasizes that something is endured or allowed, even if not fully embraced.

socially agreeable

Focuses on the pleasantness and harmony of fitting in with social expectations.

publicly acceptable

Highlights open approval and endorsement by the public.

individually acceptable

Shifts the focus to personal acceptance rather than broader societal approval.

personally acceptable

Emphasizes individual comfort and agreement with something.

socially plausible

Indicates that something is believable or likely within a social context.

socially justifiable

Emphasizes the moral or ethical basis for societal acceptance.

financially acceptable

Indicates acceptability based on economic or monetary criteria, differing significantly from social norms.

FAQs

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

You can use "socially acceptable" to describe behaviors or practices that are considered appropriate or permissible within a given society or culture. For example: "Wearing a mask in public is now more "socially acceptable" than it was before the pandemic".

What is a good alternative to "socially acceptable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "socially permissible", "socially tolerable", or "publicly acceptable".

Is it always correct to equate "socially acceptable" with "ethical"?

No, what is "socially acceptable" isn't always ethical. Social norms can differ from ethical principles, and it's important to distinguish between them. An action might be "socially acceptable" in a particular context but still raise ethical concerns.

How has the meaning of "socially acceptable" changed over time?

The meaning of "socially acceptable" varies across different eras and cultures. Practices once considered unacceptable, like women wearing pants, have become "socially acceptable" as societal norms evolved.