absolutely proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is entirely appropriate or suitable in a given context. Example: "The dress code for the event is formal, so wearing a tuxedo would be absolutely proper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The invitation was absolutely proper.

The New York Times

I saw the Bomber: impeccably neat, absolutely proper.

The New Yorker

"The name is absolutely proper — ideally proper," she said briskly.

The New York Times

"Ofcom's dealings have been absolutely proper at all times," said a spokesman for the regulator.

Independent

"He might do," said Hall. "We will work out how we can handle that in a way that is absolutely proper".

The Guardian

Lucas put everything he had this week into convincing the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse that his handling of the case of Father John Farrell – who was abusing children from the moment he was ordained in 1981 – was absolutely proper.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's absolutely right and proper.

Independent

"It's absolutely right and proper that all authors are accorded this money".

The Guardian - Books

He added that it was "absolutely right and proper" that workers should have the ability to strike.

The Guardian

"The reason that they face a challenge when they leave is that they're used to a very structured, very regimented environment, which is absolutely right and proper when they are serving in the military.

Independent

In a statement Wednesday, London's highest ranking police officer, the commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Sir Paul Stephenson, said: "The images that have now been released raise obvious concerns and it is absolutely right and proper that there is a full investigation into this matter, which the Met will fully support".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely proper" to convey a strong sense of correctness or suitability, particularly when emphasizing that something aligns perfectly with established norms or expectations.

Common error

While "absolutely proper" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "totally fine" or "perfectly okay" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely proper" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the extent to which something adheres to standards of correctness, suitability, or appropriateness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it underscores that something is entirely appropriate or suitable in a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely proper" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, denoting a high degree of correctness or suitability. The phrase serves to strongly endorse or approve of something, signifying that it aligns seamlessly with established norms or expectations. While appropriate for professional or formal settings, "absolutely proper" may sound overly stiff in casual contexts. Alternatives include "entirely appropriate" or "perfectly acceptable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely appropriate

Replaces "proper" with "appropriate", emphasizing suitability.

completely suitable

Highlights the suitability of something in a given situation.

thoroughly appropriate

Emphasizes that something is completely suitable.

perfectly acceptable

Focuses on the acceptability of something.

entirely correct

Emphasizes accuracy and adherence to standards.

perfectly legitimate

Focuses on the lawfulness and permissibility of something.

perfectly in order

Indicates that something is in the correct sequence or arrangement.

wholly fitting

Stresses how well something matches or corresponds.

utterly fitting

Emphasizes the suitability with a stronger tone.

unquestionably right

Highlights that something is undoubtedly correct and justifiable.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely proper" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely proper" to describe something that is entirely correct or suitable. For example, "The invitation was "absolutely proper"."

What are some alternatives to saying "absolutely proper"?

Alternatives include phrases like "entirely appropriate", "perfectly acceptable", or "completely suitable". Each conveys a similar meaning of correctness or suitability in different ways.

Is it always appropriate to use "absolutely proper" in writing?

While grammatically sound, "absolutely proper" is quite formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In more casual contexts, other phrases might be a better fit.

What makes "absolutely proper" different from "perfectly correct"?

"Absolutely proper" suggests adherence to established norms or etiquette, while "perfectly correct" often refers to factual accuracy or absence of errors. The distinction lies in whether the focus is on suitability versus correctness.