In a proportionate way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In a proportionate way" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action or response that is balanced or corresponds appropriately to a particular situation or factor. Example: "The resources will be allocated in a proportionate way to ensure fairness among all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Spot checks by customs officials are not illegal, providing they are carried out in a proportionate way.

The New York Times

"But that must be done in a proportionate way that gets the balance between security and liberty right," he said.

The Guardian

Let me be clear, this is not about being 'soft' on crime, but about ensuring that justice is done in a proportionate way.

Independent

And again, the governor reiterates that there's a considerable toolkit to hand, we've used a proportion of it in a proportionate way.

The Guardian - Business

Mark Flanagan, the managing director of Chrysalis, which owns LBC, said the company had already dealt with the issue in a proportionate way.

The Guardian

We need the Met to continue to police protest in a proportionate way and not to escalate its use of force.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

However, these should be justified as being a proportionate way to achieve a legitimate objective," the EHRC said.

BBC

If the case is then made that the only way to respond in a legal, proportionate way is a military strike, then he would vote for that too.

The Guardian

In an interview with the Guardian, Carney said: The right way to protect against the boom and bust cycles is to act early in a graduated, proportionate way, and that reduces the probability of having to act in a bigger way later.

The Guardian

Rabe's work is a challenge to what he calls the "clockwork universe, clockwork play," in which "certain motions delivered certain consequences in a predictable proportionate way".

The New Yorker

These increases range from 0 to 20% (some evidence to this extent has been provided in Narayanan et al. 2016), in an inversely proportionate way to the size of per-capita GDP of the country; in other words, poorer countries would face a higher increase in real wages, since they would incur higher costs in improving their presumably low labour standards.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a proportionate way", ensure that the relationship between the action and its context is clear and logical. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims of proportionality.

Common error

Avoid using "in a proportionate way" when the intended meaning is simply "fair" or "equal". Proportionality implies a specific relationship or ratio, not just general evenness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a proportionate way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with a sense of balance and appropriateness, aligning with the context as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a proportionate way" is a common adverbial phrase used to describe actions that are measured and balanced relative to a specific context. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use across various domains, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember that it signifies more than just fairness; it emphasizes a balanced relationship between an action and its circumstances. Alternatives such as "in a balanced manner" or "appropriately" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase's consistent usage and contextual relevance make it a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In due proportion

Emphasizes the correct relationship between things, maintaining the core meaning.

In a balanced manner

Replaces "proportionate" with "balanced", focusing on equilibrium rather than direct correlation.

In a commensurate fashion

Substitutes "proportionate" with "commensurate", implying a relationship in size or degree.

In a fitting manner

Indicates that the action aligns well with the context.

Appropriately

A shorter, more direct adverb conveying the idea of suitability and correctness.

With appropriate measure

Focuses on adjusting actions with suitable caution and control.

To the right degree

Focuses on the level or extent of an action, suggesting a suitable amount.

In correspondence

Highlights the alignment and harmony between cause and effect.

With suitable consideration

Highlights the thoughtful aspect of ensuring the response is appropriate.

According to scale

Implies a graded response that reflects the magnitude of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in a proportionate way" in a sentence?

You can use "in a proportionate way" to describe actions that are balanced and appropriate for the situation. For example: "The budget was allocated "in a proportionate way" to address the most critical needs".

What's the difference between "in a proportionate way" and "fairly"?

"In a proportionate way" implies a relationship based on size or degree, while "fairly" suggests impartiality and equal treatment. Use "in a proportionate way" when the response needs to match the stimulus in magnitude or intensity.

Is it correct to say "act in a proportionate way"?

Yes, it is correct. "Act "in a proportionate way"" means to respond or behave in a manner that is appropriate and balanced given the circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "in a proportionate way"?

Some alternatives include "in a balanced manner", "appropriately", or "commensurately", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.