that seems acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems acceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express agreement or approval regarding a suggestion, idea, or proposal. Example: "After reviewing the new policy, I can say that it seems acceptable to implement it starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And for some reason that seems acceptable to most Russians: practically no one here has questioned the right of the state to resort to extra-legal violence to maintain power, even against journalists.

The New York Times

It is another example of a threatened strike averted, but with an agreement that seems acceptable to the airline's 9,795 mechanics, who are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, a union that is not part of the AFL-CIO.

Forbes

Residents scour the Yellow Pages for any business that seems acceptable, but the trick is to find ones close to one another because we only get four hours and have to use public transportation to get around.

Vice

In addition, one hour of expectant management is a duration that seems acceptable for both women and midwives in the control group, as they may be disappointed to be allocated to the control group.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Not even in a way that seems acceptable.

WikiHow

You should make the friend like you in a way that seems acceptable between friends.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

By meeting people outside the company, you'll expand your frame of reference, and often you'll begin to view your existing staff through a new lens — and be less willing to accept performance or behavioral deficiencies that seemed acceptable in the past.

Harvard Business Review

And while consumer confidence is up, it is still well below the levels that seemed acceptable before the financial crisis.

The New York Times

Among the offerings that seemed acceptable most of the time was uthappam, similar to a soft pizza.

The New York Times

Our findings also suggest that the PITC model could have been practiced in a manner that seemed acceptable in the other two districts.

BMC Health Services Research

Some Democrats said that seemed acceptable when balanced against the tax cuts for the middle class.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "that is satisfactory" or "that is agreeable" to convey a more decisive tone.

Common error

Avoid using "that seems acceptable" repeatedly in formal documents or presentations. Vary your language with stronger, more specific expressions of agreement or approval to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems acceptable" functions primarily as an expression of agreement or passive approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something meets a basic requirement or standard without necessarily expressing strong enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that seems acceptable" is a commonly used phrase for expressing agreement or acknowledging adequacy. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. While versatile, it tends to convey a neutral to slightly informal tone and may benefit from stronger alternatives in highly formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, this phrase serves as a pragmatic tool for indicating satisfaction with a proposal or situation without necessarily expressing enthusiasm. Remember to use it appropriately, always ensuring clarity regarding what "that" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is satisfactory

Substitutes "seems acceptable" with "is satisfactory", conveying a sense of meeting requirements or expectations without necessarily being exceptional.

that appears satisfactory

Changes the verb from "seems" to "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing a visual assessment.

that looks fine

Replaces "seems acceptable" with "looks fine", suggesting a more casual and immediate judgment, typically based on appearance.

that is agreeable

Uses "agreeable" instead of "acceptable", indicating willingness to consent or approve, often in a negotiation or discussion.

that is adequate

Replaces "acceptable" with "adequate", implying that something meets the minimum necessary requirements but may not be outstanding.

that is alright

Employs "alright" for "acceptable", offering a more informal and colloquial expression of agreement or permission.

that is okay

Uses "okay" instead of "acceptable", providing a more casual and understated expression of agreement or approval.

that works

Replaces the phrase with a simple statement indicating that a plan or suggestion is viable and practical.

that is permissible

Substitutes "acceptable" with "permissible", suggesting that something is allowed or not forbidden, often in a formal or legal context.

that is tolerable

Uses "tolerable" instead of "acceptable", indicating that something is bearable or endurable, though perhaps not ideal.

FAQs

How can I use "that seems acceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "that seems acceptable" to express agreement or indicate that something meets a basic requirement. For example, "The proposed budget cuts are significant, but "that seems acceptable" given the current economic climate."

What are some alternatives to "that seems acceptable"?

Alternatives include "that appears satisfactory", "that is agreeable", or "that is satisfactory". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "that seems acceptable" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "that seems acceptable" might be perceived as slightly informal in certain professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "that is adequate" or "that is permissible" to convey a stronger sense of approval.

What does "that seems acceptable" imply about my level of enthusiasm?

"That seems acceptable" typically implies mild agreement or acknowledgment rather than strong enthusiasm. If you want to express greater support, consider using phrases like "I fully endorse that" or "that is an excellent solution".