Cool MateAcceptable vs Is it all right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Acceptable
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Is it all right
Top 2,000 (common)
| Acceptable | Is it all right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əkˈseptəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əkˈseptəbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪz ɪt ɔːl raɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪz ɪt ɔl raɪt// |
| Meaning | Okay or good enough to be used. | It's okay or acceptable. |
| Example | The noise level in the library is not acceptable for studying. | Is it all right if I borrow your book? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, prove, seem, highly, very, completely, to, the boundaries of acceptable…, the bounds of acceptable…, the limits of acceptable…, be, prove, seem, highly, very, completely, to, the boundaries of acceptable…, the bounds of acceptable…, the limits of acceptable… | is it all right to, make it all right, all right with me |
| Antonyms | unacceptable, unsatisfactory, poor | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'acceptable' vs 'accepted'., Using 'acceptable' as a noun incorrectly., Overusing 'acceptable' in contexts that require stronger words like 'excellent' or 'outstanding'. | Using 'are' instead of 'is' when asking questions., Confusing 'all right' with 'alright' in formal contexts., Forgetting to use it in questions when seeking approval. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written contexts to indicate something that meets necessary standards. It can be formal in academic contexts and more casual in everyday conversations. Avoid in circumstances that require high standards or exceptional quality. | This phrase is often used to seek permission or express agreement. Suitable for most conversations but avoid in highly formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Acceptable vs Is it all right
What's the difference between Acceptable and Is it all right?
Acceptable: Okay or good enough to be used. Is it all right: It's okay or acceptable.
Can you show an example of each?
Acceptable: The noise level in the library is not acceptable for studying. Is it all right: Is it all right if I borrow your book?
Can I use Acceptable and Is it all right interchangeably?
Not always. Acceptable and Is it all right are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.