what is suitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is suitable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the appropriateness or acceptability of something in a given context. Example: "Can you tell me what is suitable for this occasion?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They are desperate for work, but don't know what is suitable or how to find it.

The New York Times

Most of our waste is household scraps - what is suitable for compost?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is suitable for watching sport at this time of year are some warm togs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Exactly what is suitable is very much a personal decision, but I thought I'd see if the recent shows included anything for me and my age group.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, Mr. Cohen added, developers determine the ultimate use of a site — whether stores, offices or houses — based on what is suitable for a location.

The New York Times

For a ruler's first aim is to maintain his office, which is done no less by avoiding what is unfit than by observing what is suitable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But from the start, Orlando asked hard questions, often from the sidelines, about what was suitable and what was not, for the Ibatan.

The New York Times - Magazine

What are suitable tactics?" Successful documentaries have the same needs as successful fiction, including a strong narrative and complex characters.

The New York Times

Most of all though, the book opened up a debate about teenage life and teenage literature, about whether young people had the right to read honest, authentic books; about what was suitable, what was not, and whether or not our young people should be protected from the harsh realities of life, or empowered to cope with them.

The Guardian

With some modifications of the lamination process and heat treatment parameters, the authors obtained the upper ceramic layer with the roughness not exceeding 250 nm, what was suitable for thin film technology.

Thin Solid Films

What are suitable desynchronization approaches for posted price schemes and to what extent do they limit herding effects?

Business Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is suitable", consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. For formal settings, opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "what is advisable" or "what is fitting".

Common error

Avoid using "what is suitable" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "what works best" or "what's good" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is suitable" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something appropriate or fitting for a particular context or purpose. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase often appears after verbs like 'know', 'determine', or 'choose'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is suitable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to inquire about or determine the appropriateness of something in various contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is found in formal and informal settings, though leaning towards a neutral to formal tone. The phrase's usage spans across News & Media, Scientific, and Academic domains. For increased clarity and impact, consider using alternatives like "what is appropriate" or "what is fitting" depending on your target audience and desired level of formality. While the phrase is generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it in overly casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is appropriate

Emphasizes the correctness or fitting nature of something in a particular context.

what is fitting

Highlights the suitability or harmony of something with a specific situation or purpose.

what is proper

Focuses on adherence to standards of etiquette or morality.

what is acceptable

Indicates something that meets a certain standard or requirement without necessarily being ideal.

what is right

Emphasizes moral or ethical correctness in a given situation.

what is advisable

Suggests a course of action that is recommended or sensible.

what is recommended

Implies endorsement or approval for a particular action or choice.

what is applicable

Indicates relevance or pertinence to a specific situation.

what is relevant

Stresses the connection or importance of something to a particular matter.

what is suited

Focuses on something being well-matched or adapted for a specific purpose or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "what is suitable" in a sentence?

You can use "what is suitable" to inquire about the appropriateness or acceptability of something in a given context. For example: "They are desperate for work, but don't know "what is suitable" or how to find it."

What are some alternatives to "what is suitable"?

Alternatives include "what is appropriate", "what is fitting", or "what is acceptable", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "what is suitable" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct in both formal and informal contexts, "what is suitable" tends to lean towards a more formal tone. In casual settings, consider using alternatives like "what works best" or "what is good".

What's the difference between "what is suitable" and "what is appropriate"?

While both terms convey a sense of fittingness, ""what is suitable"" often refers to a general fitness for a purpose or condition, whereas ""what is appropriate"" implies conformity to a specific standard or norm.