to be acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be acceptable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in sentences to convey that something meets a certain standard or is deemed appropriate by someone. Example: In order for the project to be acceptable to our stakeholders, we must meet all of their requirements and address any concerns they may have.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reading seemed to be acceptable there.

The New Yorker

This is unlikely to be acceptable now.

The New York Times

Yet society judges this to be acceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is it too unconventional to be acceptable?

The Guardian - Money

We hope that it will prove to be acceptable.

The New York Times

It seems to be acceptable because the illnesses are psychiatric.

The Guardian

But neither is likely to be acceptable to the FDP.

The Economist

Neither method is likely to be acceptable in Britain.

The Economist

The treatment was found to be acceptable by all participants.

Behavior Therapy

This declaration having been made, however, it turns out to be acceptable to relapse into coupledom.

The Guardian - Film

But is LaBute, writer and director, saying that marrying one's mother ought to be acceptable?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be acceptable", ensure that the criteria for acceptability are clear and specific within the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be acceptable" without specifying what standards must be met. For instance, instead of saying "the proposal needs to be acceptable", specify "the proposal needs to be acceptable to the board in terms of budget and feasibility."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be acceptable" functions as an infinitive phrase that often acts as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun's state or condition. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is commonly used in written English to convey that something meets a certain standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be acceptable" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely used in English to indicate that something meets a specific standard or is considered appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Our analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, shows that the phrase functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It serves the communicative purpose of expressing approval or compliance. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is most commonly found in news media and scientific literature. When using "to be acceptable", it's crucial to define the criteria for acceptability to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "to be admissible" or "to be tolerable" can be used to convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be admissible

Focuses on formal acceptance, especially in legal or official contexts, emphasizing compliance with specific rules or standards.

to be permissible

Highlights the aspect of permission or authorization; something is acceptable if it is allowed according to a set of rules or laws.

to be satisfactory

Highlights that something meets the required expectations or standards.

to be allowable

Similar to "permissible" but can apply to contexts beyond formal rules, including personal or practical allowances.

to be tolerable

Indicates a level of endurance or endurance; something is acceptable if it can be put up with or endured without strong objection.

to be agreeable

Focuses on pleasantness and willingness to accept, indicating that something causes no conflict or opposition.

to become acceptable

Focuses on the process of gaining acceptance over time, implying a change in status from unacceptable to acceptable.

to be satisfying

Focuses on meeting needs or desires; it's acceptable because it fulfills a requirement or expectation.

to be palatable

Emphasizes pleasing or agreeable qualities, suggesting that something is acceptable because it is agreeable or easy to accept.

to be alright

Suggests a basic level of acceptance, often used in informal contexts to indicate that something is generally okay.

FAQs

How can I use "to be acceptable" in a sentence?

Use "to be acceptable" to indicate that something meets a certain standard or requirement. For example, "For the solution "to be acceptable", it needs to address all stakeholders' concerns".

What are some alternatives to "to be acceptable"?

Alternatives include "to be admissible", "to be tolerable", or "to be permissible", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be acceptable" or "to become acceptable"?

The choice depends on the context. "To be acceptable" implies a current state of meeting requirements, while "to become acceptable" suggests a process of change or improvement to meet those requirements over time.

What makes something "to be acceptable" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, something that is "to be acceptable" typically adheres to specific rules, standards, or guidelines. This might involve legal compliance, ethical considerations, or alignment with organizational policies.