a proper part of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper part of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is an appropriate or legitimate component of a larger whole. Example: "The engine is a proper part of the vehicle's overall functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scathing ire is a proper part of grief and loss.

Independent

This is a proper part of democratic politics.

Independent

I wanted our work to evolve and keep going — to become a proper part of our world.

The New Yorker

Inquiry into the origin and nature of the laws was not regarded as a proper part of science.

The Guardian - Opinion

He called the pictures "not in the least gory" but "poignant and responsible" and argued that using them was "a proper part of the national dialogue".

The New York Times

"Before Euro 2004 I thought I'd played reasonably well, but afterwards I felt much more comfortable with myself and a proper part of the England set-up.

The Guardian - Sport

As long as the fans in the Northeastern United States, in particular, believe that fighting is a proper part of the game, it will be one.

The New Yorker

A Labour source said: "Under the reforms Ed has proposed, individual trade unionists will become a proper part of our party.

Independent

But he's also spoken of a "middle way" in which radical groups might be tolerated as a proper part of the country's democracy.

The Economist

This now seems like a sensible decision, giving him the chance to further his football education by becoming a proper part of a team, rather than just a talent in transit.

The Guardian - Sport

America tends to see these matters in the ASEAN way.Two years ago China was angered by America's declaration that it sees the South China Sea which about half of the world's ship-borne trade passes through as a proper part of its own national interests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proper part of" to emphasize the inherent or legitimate inclusion of an element within a larger system or concept. This usage is suitable when you want to stress the appropriateness or correctness of the inclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper part of" when referring to something merely related or associated, rather than intrinsically included. Ensure the element is genuinely a component, not just tangentially connected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper part of" functions as a modifier, specifically indicating that something is a legitimate or appropriate component of a larger whole. It clarifies the relationship between a part and its containing entity, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper part of" is a versatile phrase used to denote that something is an appropriate and legitimate component of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When writing, use it to emphasize the appropriateness or inherent inclusion of an element, ensuring that the element is a genuine part of the larger entity, not just tangentially related. Alternatives such as "an integral component of" or "a legitimate element of" can be used to fine-tune the nuance. Remember that "a proper part of" stresses appropriateness, whereas other phrases may emphasize necessity or other aspects of inclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an integral component of

Emphasizes necessity and essentiality within the larger whole.

a legitimate element of

Highlights the validity and authorization of a component.

a rightful component of

Suggests just or deserved inclusion in something.

a valid portion of

Focuses on the legitimacy and the proportional aspect of the inclusion.

an appropriate segment of

Implies that a piece is suitably fitted or relevant to something.

a constituent feature of

Highlights the role of the element in composing a whole.

an accepted aspect of

Indicates general recognition or agreement about a part's inclusion.

a regular piece of

Suggests that something is a normal or expected component.

an inherent attribute of

Conveys that the component is intrinsically part of something.

a deserved fraction of

Implies that the portion is earned or rightly allocated.

FAQs

How can I use "a proper part of" in a sentence?

You can use "a proper part of" to indicate that something is an appropriate or legitimate component of a larger whole. For example: "The engine is "a proper part of" the vehicle's overall functionality."

What are some alternatives to "a proper part of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an integral component of", "a legitimate element of", or "a rightful component of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a proper part from" instead of "a proper part of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "a proper part" in this context is "of". "A proper part from" is grammatically incorrect and not standard English usage.

What is the difference between "a proper part of" and "an essential part of"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "an essential part of" emphasizes necessity, whereas "a proper part of" emphasizes appropriateness and inherent inclusion.